Appearing from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad & Quetta

Wednesday, October 28, 2009, Zhul-Q'ada 08, 1430

Several key features secured
50 more militants killed in SWA , Mohmand

Tariq Saeed

Peshawar—The security forces led by the Pakistan Army on Tuesday mowed down 42 more trouble makers in parts of South Waziristan Agency as the operation code named Rah-e-Nijat entered eleventh day. One security man embraced Shahadat while two men in uniform received injuries during clashes with the militants.

On the other hand the militants ambushed a security post in Mohmand agency resulting in the Shahadat of two soldiers and injuries to an equal number of others. Eight trouble makers were killed in the retaliatory fire by the forces.

According to rough estimates, almost 250 insurgents have been killed during the operation Rah-e-Nijat initiated against the insurgents or the men loyal to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Chief Hakimullah Mehsud on 17 October in SWA where access to media is denied and all the information is mostly provided by the Army.

The total number of troops reported killed since the operation began 11 days ago stands at 31. Around 28,000 troops are taking part in the offensive against an estimated 10-12,000 militants in the semi-autonomous tribal belt which the foreign media alleges is the safe haven for terrorists.

Reports said the security forces were making fast advancing towards Sara Rogha the stronghold of Taliban as well as Makeen and Kanigram securing areas falling on the way to these towns. The forces are , however, facing tough resistance from the militants who still appear to be in no mood of giving up. Army said the troops were advancing to insurgents strongholds from three sides.

There are reports of fierce fighting between men in uniform and those loyal to TTP in parts of South Waziristan Agency. The security forces are also reported to have captured Zariwam area onward Kotkai, the home town of TTP chief.
Reports say the troops fought at multiple locations in the far north of South Waziristan, where ground forces thrust towards die hard Taliban positions from their rear base at Razmak, killing 30 militants.
Security forces have also surrounded Nawazkot, one of the Taliban’s main regional strongholds and another 12 militants were killed in fighting on the approach to Taliban bastion Sararogha to the east and Kanigram further south. Forces also regained control of old FC Post at Nawazkot and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition from the area.

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) updates say on Jandola – Sararogha Axis the Security forces cleared village Zariwam and dominating hill features along east and west ridges on main Axis Jandola - Sararogha. The dominating bridges around the main Road and village Ganra Kas (west of main road) and Konar Height (east of the road) have also been fully secured. Security forces are conducting search and clearance operations in secured areas. The Security forces have completed sanitization of Garlai. During engagement, 5 terrorists were killed while 1 soldier embraced Shahadat.

As the updates put on Shakai - Kanigram Axis, the security forces have cleared area along road Sherwangi-Ladha axis up till road track junction. Forces have moved forward ahead of Chalwastai on road Shakai-Kanigram and have reached in the suburbs of Kund Mela-Momekaram.

While the area has been cleared of terrorists and search and clearance operation to remove mines, IEDs and booby traps is underway, the updates say during engagements, 7 terrorists were killed.

On the other hand on Razmak- Makeen Axis the Security forces have surrounded Nawazkot and are dominating the important ridges ahead of Nawazkot. Forces also regained control of old FC Post at Nawazkot and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition from the area, ISPR said adding the security forces effectively engaged terrorists’ positions at Pakallita Sar, Manza Sar, Green Ridge, Lahgar Narai, Zar-e-Sar Base, China and Makeen. During engagement reportedly 30 terrorists were killed.

It said the forces cleared Tip Ghar, Pt 6813 and Laghar Narai and consolidation is under way. During the search operation huge cache of arms and ammunition has also been recovered. Terrorists fired 2 rockets at Razmak Camp and resultantly 2 soldiers were injured.

In the meanwhile at least eight miscreants were gunned down when the security forces repulsed militant’s assault at a check post in Mohmand Agency.

The militants, as the reports say, launched assault at a newly set up security check post in the jurisdiction of Peezro sub division some fifty kilometres West of Ghalanai the headquarters of Mohmand Agency, on the night between Monday and Tuesday.

The insurgents used sophisticated weapons against the troops resulting in martyrdom of two soldiers and injuries to two others. The forces returned the fire with full might killing eight trouble makers and wounding a dozen others.

As the operation Rah-e-Rast continued in Malakand Agency at least eight terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces in Miandam, Sarsanai and Fizagat areas of Swat and Malakand. The security forces also conducted search operation at Sam Shin, Sambat Cham and discovered 2 tunnels (15 metres wide and 30 metres long) in Swat area, of Mian Killi and also apprehended 3 suspects.

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