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Pak dismantles âHarkat campâ
Paramilitary forces backed by Pakistan Army scoured and dismantled a terrorist training facility in the countryâs Northern Areas early on Saturday. A spokesman Maj-Gen Shaukat Sultan declined to identify the group operating the camp in Tangir sub-division of Diamir district. However, local residents told Dawn by telephone that the camp was used by Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. Incidentally, US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and Assistant Secretary Christina Rocca are scheduled to arrive in Islamabad today.
| "Just coincidence, of course..." |
The camp had been abandoned a month or so ago. Called Bajajiano Maskar, it was located in the small Tangir valley on the banks of Indus, north of Karakoram Highway. Comprising three residential blocks, it once housed 20 to 25 trainees, locals said. The spokesman said the camp was a terrorist facility involved in domestic terrorism, including terrorist killings, sectarian killings and blockading of Karakoram Highway. ââThe camp has no connection with Al Qaeda but the possibility of it receiving patronage from outside cannot be ruled out,ââ Sultan said. He disclosed the troops destroyed the infrastructure and other âlogistics.â ââThere were no arms or ammunition there,ââ he confirmed.
| "Nope. Took it all with 'em..." |
Dawnâs Gilgit correspondent reported that apart from some Gilgit-based army units that had proceeded to Tangir on Friday, some 20 truckloads of armymen were summoned from other areas to take part in the operation. At least four helicopters were seen hovering over the valley, assisting the troops busy in the operation on the ground.
Posted by: rg117 2003-10-06 |
