(KUNA) — Hundreds of Pakistani troops with aerial support launched an operation against a local They said a fierce gunbattle erupted between the supporters of Maulana and troopers when they tried to enter into the seminary. They added that the two sides were still exchanging heavy fire, adding that troops fired mortar shells as well. According to media reports, at least six gunship helicopters were hovering in the area and sounds of explosions could also be heard. Sources said that forces had taken control of the militants' training camp adjacent to the religious seminary. Another source claimed that at least five militants had been killed and several, including security men, were wounded in the ongoing offensive. The source said the two sides were using heavy weapons against each other.
The operation was launched a day after in a suicide explosion that caused ammunition in military truck to explode, killed over 30 security personnel and wounded several others.
| Important safety tip here: If you need a ride in a war zone, probably the ammunition truck isn't the best ride to have. You might think seriously about walking. If there are 40 of you, you might want to wait for a bus. |
| A few hours ahead of the operation, Caretaker Chief Minister NWFP Shamsul Mulk told Pakistan Television that the government had no intention to launch a specific operation in Swat if the efforts to establish its writ are not resisted. |
A few hours ahead of the operation, Caretaker Chief Minister NWFP Shamsul Mulk told Pakistan Television that the government had no intention to launch a specific operation in Swat if the efforts to establish its writ are not resisted. He said the writ of government was weak in the area and the government was trying to strengthen it by deploying more troops. If these efforts are not resisted the law enforcers will not go in pursuit of anyone to his doorstep, the chief minister said.
Hundreds flee as ‘operation’ launched in Swat
- Forces battle with Fazlullah supporters
- One militant killed, bodies of 4 abducted soldiers found
- Militants fire at copter carrying FC IG
- Musharraf directs officials to avoid civilian losses
- One militant killed, bodies of 4 abducted soldiers found
MINGORA/PESHAWAR: Security forces battled with armed supporters of rebel cleric Maulana Fazlullah here on Friday, killing one militant and injuring three others, while bodies of four abducted security personnel were found on a roadside, witnesses and officials said. Two civilians were also killed in the clashes, as hundreds of residents of Imam Dheri started leaving the area fearing a full-scale operation, Online reported.Maulana Fazlullah’s spokesman Sirajuddin confirmed the attack on the cleric’s headquarters in Imam Dheri and the death of a militant. He said that an 80-member delegation was heading for Islamabad to hold talks with the federal government on the invitation of Political Affairs Minister Amir Muqam when the security forces besieged Fazlullah’s headquarters. “Heavy weapons and helicopters were used when the forces surrounded Fazlullah’s headquarters,” security sources told Daily Times.
The local Taliban set up barricades at Sharialm, Chaprial and Shakar Dara in Matta Tehsil on Friday morning and took ‘suspicious’ people hostage at gunpoint, locals told Daily Times. Three Frontier Corps personnel and a policeman were reportedly among the ‘suspicious’ people the Taliban took hostage from the Chaprial and Pir Killi areas of Matta Tehsil. The militants later dumped the bodies of the four law enforcement personnel in Shakar Dara.
| "What'ya bring 'em in for, Mahmoud?" "Looked suspicious to me, Yer Holiness." "Okay. Kill 'em." |
| That's unconfirmed barbarity, mind you. |
Military spokesman Maj Gen Waheed Arshad said army helicopters joined the operation, and troops were sent to the region as reserves to help local authorities maintain law and order, if requested, AP reported.
Helicopter attacked: Separately, militants fired at a helicopter carrying FC Inspector General Maj Gen Alam Khattak who had come to inspect his troops deployed at Fizza Ghat. They missed the target and the helicopter made safe landing, said a local police official.
Musharraf briefed: The top military authorities and the NWFP governor have briefed President Pervez Musharraf on the operation in Swat, Online reported. Musharraf has asked them to avoid loss of life and property of civilians. NWFP Home Minister Shahzada Gustasap
| Yes, you read that name right. It's Pasatsug, spelled backwards. |
It also considered allowing an FM Radio channel in the area for “peaceful teachings”. The cabinet also discussed a proposal for setting up Shariah courts and appointment of qazis.