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Coordinates: 32°57′45.31″N 70°7′32.64″E / 32.9625861°N 70.1257333°E / 32.9625861; 70.1257333
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*[[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/14-Oct-2014/top-five-ttp-commanders-join-isis|title=Top five TTP commanders join ISIS|work=The Nation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-33470-A-setback-for-Fazlullah-Mullah-Omar-and-Zawahiri|title=A setback for Fazlullah, Mullah Omar and Zawahiri|date=15 October 2014|work=The News International, Pakistan}}</ref>
*[[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/14-Oct-2014/top-five-ttp-commanders-join-isis|title=Top five TTP commanders join ISIS|work=The Nation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-33470-A-setback-for-Fazlullah-Mullah-Omar-and-Zawahiri|title=A setback for Fazlullah, Mullah Omar and Zawahiri|date=15 October 2014|work=The News International, Pakistan}}</ref>
*Afghan militants<ref name="Afghan1"/><ref name="Afghan2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/pakistan-warplanes-kill-20-militants-northwest-062225635.html|title=Militants attack Pakistani post near Afghan border|date=16 September 2014|work=Yahoo News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-2757445/Pakistan-warplanes-kill-20-militants-northwest.html|title=Militants attack Pakistani post near Afghan border|work=Mail Online}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/762991/3-fc-personnel-11-militants-killed-in-north-waziristan-cross-border-attack/|title=3 FC personnel, 11 militants killed in North Waziristan cross-border attack|publisher=}}</ref>
*Afghan militants<ref name="Afghan1"/><ref name="Afghan2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/pakistan-warplanes-kill-20-militants-northwest-062225635.html|title=Militants attack Pakistani post near Afghan border|date=16 September 2014|work=Yahoo News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-2757445/Pakistan-warplanes-kill-20-militants-northwest.html|title=Militants attack Pakistani post near Afghan border|work=Mail Online}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/762991/3-fc-personnel-11-militants-killed-in-north-waziristan-cross-border-attack/|title=3 FC personnel, 11 militants killed in North Waziristan cross-border attack|publisher=}}</ref>
|combatant3={{flag|United States}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.svg}} [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] [[Drone strikes in Pakistan|Drone stikes]]<ref>http://tribune.com.pk/story/745020/drone-strike-in-north-waziristan-kills-6-2/</ref><ref>http://www.webcitation.org/6RD96U8Rv</ref><ref>http://www.webcitation.org/6R8SD07uu</ref>
| commander1 = '''Pakistan'''
| commander1 = '''Pakistan'''
'''[[President of Pakistan|President]]'''<br>
'''[[President of Pakistan|President]]'''<br>

Revision as of 19:05, 28 November 2014

Operation Zarb-e-Azb
Part of the war in North-West Pakistan and War on Terror

  • – North Waziristan
  • – FATA
  • – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Date15 June 2014–present
(10 years, 5 months and 3 days)
Location
North Waziristan, FATA, Pakistan
32°57′45.31″N 70°7′32.64″E / 32.9625861°N 70.1257333°E / 32.9625861; 70.1257333
Status

Ongoing

  • 90% of North Waziristan cleared[12]
Belligerents

Pakistan Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Insurgent groups

Commanders and leaders

Pakistan President
Mamnoon Hussain

Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif

Army Chief
Raheel Sharif

Chairman JCSC
Rashad Mahmood

DG ISI
Rizwan Akhtar

Air Chief
Tahir Rafique Butt

Naval Chief

Asif Sandila

Insurgent groups Maulana Fazlullah
Sheikh Khalid Haqqani
Sheharyar Mehsud
Adnan Rashid

Usman Ghazi[13]
Strength
20,000[14]–30,000[15] 2,000 (unconfirmed sources)[16]
Casualties and losses
86 killed [17]

In Pakistani offensive:
1198 killed (as of 14 November)[12]
356 injured[12]
221 arrested[12]


In American drone strikes:
68+ killed, 10 injured (as of 6 August)[18][19][20]
2 civilians killed, 1 injured[21][22]
929,859 IDPs registered (as of 14 July)[23]

Operation Zarb-e-Azb (Template:Lang-ur ALA-LC: [Āpres̱ẖan Ẓarb-i ʿAẓb] Error: {{Transliteration}}: unrecognized language / script code: urdu (help) pronounced [ɑːpreːʃən zərb-e əzb]) is a joint military offensive being conducted by Pakistani security forces against various militant groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jundallah, al-Qaeda, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Haqqani network.[4] The operation was launched by the Pakistan Armed Forces on 15 June 2014 in North Waziristan (part of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas along the Afghan border) as a renewed effort against militancy in the wake of the 8 June attack on Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, for which the TTP and the IMU claimed responsibility.[24] Part of the ongoing war in North-West Pakistan, up to 30,000 Pakistani soldiers are involved in Zarb-e-Azb, described as a "comprehensive operation" to flush out all foreign and local militants hiding in North Waziristan.[25]

The operation has received widespread support from the Pakistani political, defence and civilian sectors. The two largest Islamic clerical groups (the Pakistan Ulema Council and the Council of Islamic Ideology) declared a fatwa endorsing the offensive, calling it a jihad against terrorism.[26][27][28]

Etymology

Zarb-e-Azb (Template:Lang-ur ALA-LC: [Ẓarb-i ʿAẓb] Error: {{Transliteration}}: unrecognized language / script code: urdu (help) pronounced [zərb-e əzb]) means "sharp and cutting strike".[29] Azb also refers to the name of the sword belonging to the Islamic prophet Muhammad, which he used in the battles of Badr and Uhud.[30]

Background

Peace negotiations

Peace negotiations with the Taliban were announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after his election,[31] although previous attempts to engage the Taliban in dialogue had failed. The first session of talks, between committees appointed by the Government of Pakistan and the Taliban, was held on 26 March 2014 at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad.[32] The Taliban did not name representatives from their ranks, instead nominating pro-Taliban religious figures to present their views.[31] The movement called for the implementation of Sharia in Pakistan; the Pakistani government demanded the cessation of hostilities, insisting that talks be held within the framework of the Constitution of Pakistan.[31] A month-long ceasefire was reached between the government and the Taliban on 1 March 2014.[33]

In addition to the meetings at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, negotiations involved helicopter travel by government representatives to the area near the Afghan border. The government had indicated that stronger military action would be implemented if the talks failed.[32]

Failure

Negotiations collapsed after the execution of 23 Pakistani Frontier Corps soldiers by the Taliban on 17 February 2014.[34][35] The soldiers had been held by the insurgents since 2010, and on 17 April 2014 the TTP formally ended the ceasefire.[36] More than 90 militants have been killed by Taliban infighting since March 2014. The strife, triggered by differences between the Mehsud group (led by Sheheryar Mehsud) and another TTP faction (led by Khan Said Sajna), impeded the peace talks.[37] The negotiations were irreversibly damaged by a terrorist attack on Karachi Airport for which the Taliban claimed responsibility and which killed 28 people (including security personnel).[38][39] A Pakistani security official said, "The army is ready for an operation. It now all depends on the government to make a decision."[40]

Jinnah Airport attack

Main article: 2014 Jinnah International Airport attack

The operation began one week after a terrorist attack on Pakistan's busiest airport. On 8 June 2014, 10 militants from the TTP and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan attacked Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, killing 28 people (including the attackers) and wounding at least 18.[38]

After the attack, the Pakistani military launched a series of aerial strikes on militant hideouts in the tribal areas along the Afghan border. At least 25 militants, including foreign fighters, were killed on 10 June.[41] Two drone attacks on 12 June killed Uzbek, Afghan and local militants.[42][43] On 15 June the Pakistani military intensified air strikes in North Waziristan and bombed eight foreign militant hideouts, killing as many as 140 militants (most Uzbek, including persons linked to the airport attack and airport attack commander and mastermind Abu Abdur Rehman Almani).[44][45] The intensified aerial strikes in the wake of the attack were an extension of operations against militants conducted over the last few months.[41]

Preparations

Using North Waziristan as a base, these terrorists had waged a war against the state of Pakistan and had been disrupting our national life in all its dimensions, stunting our economic growth and causing enormous loss of life and property. They had also paralyzed life within the agency and had perpetually terrorized the entire peace loving and patriotic local population.

— Inter-Services Public Relations[46][47]

The Pakistani military had prepared for the operation long before, and the government prepared for a three-front operation:[48] isolating targeted militant groups, obtaining support from the political parties and saving civilians from the backlash of the operation.[48]

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the nation stood by its army: "The decision was taken after the strategy of dialogue failed. The operation will continue until it reaches its logical conclusion. Any group that challenges Pakistan's constitution, attacks civilians, soldiers, and government installations and uses Pakistani territory to plan terrorist attacks will be targeted". Asif added that internally displaced persons would be assisted by the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments: "We will try to ensure that the displaced do not have to stay away from their homes for too long."[49]

Army troops encircled militant bases in the towns of Mirali and Miranshah. Pakistani officials said that the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) were requested to seal the border on their side so that militants do not escape.[50] The operation involved the Pakistan Air Force, artillery, tanks and ground troops. According to a military statement, "On the directions of the government, armed forces of Pakistan have launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists who are hiding in sanctuaries in North Waziristan."[50] An official with the military said that between 14,000 and 20,000 soldiers were normally stationed in North Waziristan before the operation, and he expected the offensive to require no more than a total of 30,000 troops.[15]

Timeline

15 June
The first phase of the operation began with intensified airstrikes in North Waziristan, targeting militant training facilities, hideouts and other infrastructure.[51] The Pakistani military destroyed eight militant hideouts in the previous night's airstrikes. Hideouts in Degan-Boya and Datta Khel were targeted by jet aircraft, since foreign and local insurgents linked to the Karachi airport attack were confirmed there; an ammunition dump was also destroyed. As many as 140 militants (mostly Uzbek) were reportedly killed in the strikes, including commander and airport attack mastermind Abu Abdur Rehman Almani.[45][46][52] North Waziristan was sealed by troops on its border with neighbouring agencies and FATA regions to block the movement of militants. In North Waziristan, troops cordoned off insurgent bases (including those in the towns of Mir Ali and Miranshah).[46] Logistical and administrative arrangements for IDPs were made by the Disaster Management Agency, with the establishment of registration points and IDP camps.[46] Surrender points were established for militants wishing to give up their arms.[46] Aerial surveillance of the area was conducted. Afghan security forces were requested to seal the border on their side to prevent militants from escaping across the border and initiate immediate measures to eliminate TTP militants and their hideouts in Kunar, Nuristan and elsewhere in Afghanistan.[46]
16 June
Seven fleeing militants were killed on the outskirts of Mirali overnight, with three soldiers injured in the exchange of fire.[52] In a separate incident, seven more militants were killed when they tried to flee from the cordoned-off area. Two Pakistani soldiers were reported killed in an exchange of gunfire.[52][53]Six militant hideouts in Shawal, North Waziristan were destroyed by an early-morning airstrike by two fighter jets, with 27 militants killed. There were no civilians in Shawal.[52][53][54] Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported six soldiers killed and three injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion between the Afghan border and Ghulam Khan Tehsil in North Waziristan. According to ISPR, a convoy of security forces was targeted on Bane Dar Road in Ghulam Khan (on the Pakistani-Afghan border). Forces cordoned off the area, launching a search operation.[52][53] Three insurgents were killed by Special Services Group sniper fire while planting IEDs near Miramshah.[52]
17 June
Airstrikes destroyed six hideouts in North Waziristan, killing 25 foreign and local militants. Airstrikes were also conducted in the Hasokhel area of Mir Ali.[55] At least three suspected militants were killed when they attempted to flee a cordoned-off area in Miramshah, with one soldier injured in the exchange of fire.[55][56] No operations had begun in developed areas to ensure that no militants could escape the cordon and all verified civilians were evacuated.[55] More than 40 percent of North Waziristan was cleared of militants in the first three days of the operation.[57]
19 June
Fifteen militants were reportedly killed overnight in the Zartatangi Heights, east of Miramshah, by army Cobra helicopter gunships. The area was one of the main communications centres of the insurgents.[58] In a separate incident, eight Uzbek militants were killed near Miramshah while planting IEDs on the road between Miramshah and Mir Ali.[58] The evacuation of the civilian population from Miramshah and Ghulam Khan began. Checkpoints were established in a number of locations, where IDPs received food and medicine from security forces.[58] As many as 400 Afghan families left North Waziristan for Afghanistan via Ghulam Khan.[59]
20 June
Three militant hideouts in the Qutab Khel area, on the outskirts of Miramshah, were destroyed in the early morning by army Cobra helicopter gunships with artillery and sniper assistance. Twelve militants, including some foreigners, were killed in the strikes and a large cache of arms and ammunition destroyed.[59] Militants inside cordoned-off areas attempted to flee. Six attempts were halted overnight, and three local residents without identification were arrested trying to flee from the cordon.[59] Another 24 suspects disguised as IDPs were arrested at security checkpoints in Mirali and Miramshah.[59] The civilian evacuation continued from North Waziristan towards Bannu, with 200,000 IDPs evacuated so far.[59]
21 June
A total of 30 militants were killed in early-morning airstrikes in uninhabited areas of Khyber and North Waziristan Agencies. Jet aircraft destroyed two hideouts near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Agency, killing 10 militants. These surgical strikes were in line with the security forces' strategy to take on the militants across the FATA.[60][61] Three hideouts were destroyed in Hassu Khel, North Waziristan, killing 20 militants.[60]
23 June
Eight militant hideouts near Mir Ali were destroyed by jet aircraft during the early morning, killing 15. Tunnels were spotted in the targeted areas.[62] Ten militants were killed attempting to flee from cordoned-off bases in Spinwam and Mir Ali, with two Pakistani soldiers also reportedly killed in an exchange of fire.[62] The curfew was lifted for two hours to evacuate the remaining civilians. At the Saidgai security checkpoint, 414,429 IDPs were registered to date.[62] An army medical corps field hospital was being established in Bannu for displaced persons.[62] The civilian evacuation was almost complete. About 450,000 IDPs arrived in Bannu, and were registered at the Saidgai checkpoint.[63][64]
24 June
Twenty militants were killed and 12 hideouts destroyed in early-morning air strikes in Khyber Agency.[65]Twenty-seven militants were killed in afternoon jet strikes in Mir Ali and the surrounding area, with 11 hideouts and a large weapons cache destroyed.[65] An afternoon suicide car-bomb attempt was foiled in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan. When an explosive-laden vehicle approached a checkpoint outside a civilian hospital, soldiers fired at the vehicle (which exploded 100 meters from the checkpoint. Two soldiers and one civilian were reportedly killed when the roof of a nearby building collapsed from the explosion.[65]
25 June
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets destroyed five hideouts in Mir Ali, killing 13 militants.[66] Twelve militants surrendered to Pakistani forces.[66]
26 June
The evacuation of 450,000 civilians was completed, and the operation's second phase began with a ground offensive by the Pakistani military.[51] Seven militants surrendered at the North Waziristan surrender center, bringing the total to 19.[67][68]
27 June
PAF aircraft destroyed six confirmed hideouts on the outskirts of Mir Ali in an evening raid, killing 11 militants.[67] TTP Miranshah Commander Umer was killed on the outskirts of the town by security forces that night.[67]
28 June
Militant groups were targeted during the early morning by integrated Pakistani artillery, tank and heavy-weapons fire outside Miranshah, killing seven.[67] An al-Qaeda commander, revealed by initial interrogation as an explosives, IED and suicide-belt expert, was arrested trying to flee from a surrounded base.[67] Three militants were arrested by security forces while trying to cross the Indus River near Mianwali. All river crossings were fortified to seal escape routes.[67]
29 June
Sixteen militants were killed when PAF fighter jets targeted their hideouts in Mir Ali, North Waziristan.[69][70] According to military sources, seven militant hideouts, explosives and ammunition dumps were also destroyed in the airstrikes.[69][70]
30 June
Early-morning ground operations began in and around Miramshah. Search operations were conducted by infantry and the Special Services Group, killing 15 militants. Troops discovered underground tunnels and IED-preparation factories in the cleared areas, with three soldiers reportedly injured in an exchange of fire. The civilian population had been evacuated.[71] Since the beginning of the operation 376 militants were killed and 19 surrendered, with 61 hideouts destroyed in the operation's first phase. Seventeen soldiers were reportedly killed.[71]
1 July
According to ISPR, during ground operations in Miranshah a land-mine factory was discovered and 225 cylinders, 700 pipes filled with explosive materials and 150 unfinished land mines were recovered.[72] Two Pakistani soldiers were killed and a third reportedly injured when militants ambushed a military vehicle in Mir Ali, North Waziristan.[73][74][75]
2 July
Ten militants were killed when Pakistani helicopters shelled hideouts in the Khar Warsak region, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) north of Miramshah, with three hideouts destroyed in the airstrikes.[76]
3 July
The bodies of seven militants were recovered in the Darpa Khel area of Mir Ali. A security official reportedly said, "Bodies were of suspected militants who were gunned down by security forces in Mir Ali tehsil of the agency", adding that the forces had advanced from Mir Ali and Miramshah Bazaar towards the outskirts of the agency after destroying three hideouts in Mir Ali (one of which held foreign militants).[77]
4 July
Pakistani soldier Niak Fiaz Mohammad was killed by an IED explosion during a house-to-house search operation in North Waziristan. Mohammed's funeral was held in Bannu before the soldier's body was transported to his hometown, Mansehra. ISPR director-general Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said, "We salute the courage and bravery of Niak Fiaz Shaheed."[78] A Pakistani soldier from Azad Kashmir was killed in the Jord region of North Waziristan. The soldier, Sadheer Ismail from Malsi Ghari Dupatta, was buried in his family cemetery. Pakistan Army personnel attended Ismail's funeral, where friends praised his determination and resolve.[79]
5 July
Airstrikes targeted Miramshah and the village of Boya, destroying five militant hideouts, caves and an ammunition cache. The early-morning strikes killed 20 militants, most of whom were reportedly Uzbeks.[80] A Pakistani soldier was killed during the ground offensive that morning when an IED exploded.[80]
6 July
Hundreds of Taliban fighters reportedly cut their hair and beards to flee the operation. According to IDPs, the Taliban disguised themselves in the weeks before the Pakistan Army operation. Although the militants advocated sharia in Pakistan and were contemptuous of Western culture, refugees said that in North Waziristan the militants enjoyed imported products.[16][81]
7 July
Pakistani Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif visited North Waziristan. Sharif was received by Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani, the Peshawar corps commander, and briefed by the general officer commanding for the operation. He commended the troops for their determination, commitment and resolve, praising the progress achieved since the beginning of the operation.[82]
8 July
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in an interview with Radio Pakistan that 400 militants and 20 Pakistani soldiers had been killed so far in the operation. Although he declined to provide a time frame for the operation's end, he expressed a resolve to finish as early as possible.[83] Airstrikes by the PAF killed 13 militants (including foreigners) in the Digaan area of North Waziristan, according to an ISPR press release. Seven militant hideouts were also destroyed.[84][85]
9 July
Pakistani airstrikes targeted three hideouts, killing 11 militants in Shawal.[86] Ground operations continued in Miramshah, which was 80-percent cleared.[86]
10 July
The Pakistani army invited local and international media to Miramshah to observe the militant facilities. Flags, weapons and explosive materials were shown. ISPR Director Major General Asim Bajwa and Operation Commander Major General Zafar Khan briefed the media on the operation's progress. They said that as many as 400 terrorists were killed and another 130 injured to date. Eleven IED factories were uncovered, and over 2,000 IEDs confiscated. Bajwa said that underground tunnels built by the militants (one a kilometer long) had also been discovered: "This (Miranshah) was one of their major base, we have dislodged them from here and now they are on the run, We have also discovered their command and control centre, which would definitely affect their capabilities."[87]
11 July
Injured Taliban commander Adnan Rashid, al-Qaeda commander Mufti Zubair Marwat and Marwat's two guards were captured by Pakistani security forces in the Shakai Valley of South Waziristan when they tried to escape from cordoned-off North Waziristan, and were moved to an undisclosed location by army helicopter. Marwat was reportedly the brother of Mufti Sajjad Marwat, an al-Qaeda spokesman for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rashid was planning to flee to Afghanistan.[88] The arrest was confirmed by the TTP.[89]
12 July
Thirteen militants, primarily foreign, were killed in an early-morning PAF airstrike after firing rockets at a security checkpoint in Mir Ali; seven hideouts and an ammunition cache were also destroyed.[90][91] The connection of the cleared area in Miramshah and the Miramshah-Dattakhel road continued. In Khar Warsak and Zartangi, security forces discovered six motorcycle IEDs, two vehicle IEDs, two 12.7 mm guns, one 14.5 mm gun, three vehicles and eleven explosive belts during the previous 24 hours. Two explosive-laden vehicles were also destroyed in airstrikes at Degan.[90] Three militants, including one Uzbek, were arrested in Boya. Two suicide bombers were identified and chased, but they blew themselves up when encircled by security forces near the town.[90] Eighteen militants were killed in PAF airstrikes in the Mosaki area, 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of Miramshah, and artillery shelling in the Kharkamar area, 30 kilometres (19 mi) west of Miramshah. "Six terrorist hideouts and a huge ammunition cache were destroyed and at least 13 militants, mostly Uzbek, were killed in the Saturday morning strikes, five militants were killed and two militant hideouts were destroyed by artillery fire in the Kharkamar area on Saturday night", a security official said.[92]
13 July
According to ISPR, five hideouts in Mir Ali were targeted by the military and several militants were killed.[23]
14 July
After Miramshah was under control, a ground offensive was launched in Mirali (second-largest town in North Waziristan) and the nearby Boya area.[93] Pakistani troops killed six militants (two of them suicide bombers), including Taliban commander Matiullah.[93]
15 July
In a media briefing, ISPR director general Major General Asim Bajwa said that 451 militants were dead and 88 hideouts[94] destroyed. According to Bajwa, 26 soldiers[93] were killed in the operation to date. According to ISPR, five Pakistani soldiers were killed in exchanges of fire in and around Mirali (including an officer, Captain Akash Rabbani). Two soldiers were injured, and 11 insurgents were killed.[95]
16 July
Thirty-five militants were killed in airstrikes in the Shawal area. According to an ISPR press release, "Today, early morning at least 35 fleeing terrorists were killed through aerial strikes in Shawal valley".[96][97] The Mir Ali ground offensive following the clearance of Miranshah continued, with airstrikes expected.[96]
18 July
House-to-house searches were conducted in areas of Mir Ali. Four militants were killed in an exchange of fire and 12 IEDs, an IED factory and caches of ammunition and foreign currency were seized.[98]
19 July
"The command and control system of terrorists was destroyed in North Waziristan," said Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. "There is no place for terrorism in a democratic country."[99] The villages of Boya and Degan were cleared by Pakistani military,[98] and the ground offensive continued in areas of Mirali.[98] Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani visited Mirali, Boya and Degan, meeting with the troops, and relief for IDPs was underway.[98]
20 July
Twenty-eight militants were killed in airstrikes targeting six hideouts in the Shawal area of North Waziristan.[100]
23 July
Twenty militants, including foreigners, were killed by Pakistani airstrikes which destroying four hideouts in the Shawal tehsil of North Waziristan.[101] The ground operation in Mir Ali continued, with an ammunition factory and foreign currency seized from Mir Ali Bazaar.[101] According to ISPR, a disposal operation of mines and explosive materials was underway in Miramshah with six IED factories cleared by army engineers to date.[101]
24 July
Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in an evening IED explosion near Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan (near the Pakistani-Afghan border).[102]
26 July
During the Mir Ali ground offensive, eight militants were killed and five hideouts destroyed.[103]
27 July
Pakistani security forces cleared 70 percent of Mir Ali and adjacent areas.[104]
29 July
The Pakistani Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif celebrated the Eid al-Fitr with army soldiers and IDPs in Baka Khel and Bannu.[105]
30 July
According to the official sources, a Pakistan Army check post was attacked by Afghan militants in Lower Dir. The cross-border attack involved 70-80 militants. In retaliation, at least seven militants were killed and nine others were injured.[7]
2 August
During the ground operation in Mirali, three militats were killed in fire-exchange. An ammunition dump was also seized.[106]
4 August
During ground offensive in in Datta Khel area, Seven Uzbek militants were killed in fire-exchange, two soldiers identified as Subedar Mashkoor and Lans Naik Zaheer were also killed. Data Khel was cleared and the ground operation continued in Mirali and other areas.[107][108]
5 August
Airstrikes on 6 militant hideouts were conducted by the Pakistani military, killing at least 30 militants. According to ISPR, the raids were carried out in the Datta khel, Marshikhel and Kamsham areas. Mirali was also cleared and the ground operation in Mirali came to an end.[109]
9 August
The Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during National Security Conference in Islamabad said: "We pay tribute to the sacrifices of our armed forces in the war against terrorism and express solidarity with their families." Sharif added that the "intensity of the blowback of the military operation would be low."[110]
14 August
A Pakistani security forces camp in Miramshah was targeted with rockets by unknown militants. No loss of life occurred.[111]
19 August
48 militants were killed in air strikes and shelling by gunship helicopters of the Pakistani military, destroying seven militant hideouts and several vehicles in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency.[112]
30 August
32 militants were killed and three hideouts destroyed by army gunship helicopters in the remote areas of North Waziristan. According to ISPR, 23 explosive laden vehicles and four ammunition dumps were also destroyed.[113]
3 September
According to ISPR, 910 militants had been killed so far in the operation. Eighty-two soldiers had also been killed (42 were killed in North Waziristan Agency) while 269 others have been injured, added the ISPR statement. The Pakistan Armed Forces had cleared Miramshah, Mirali, Datta Khel, Degan, Boya areas of North Waziristan which were considered strongholds of terrorists.[114]
8 September
Ten militants were killed and five vehicles were destroyed by Pakistani gunship helicopters in Boya Degan, according to ISPR.[115]
9 September
A Pakistani soldier and six militants were killed in a counter-attack during a clearance operation near Datta Khel. A civilian logistic staff member was also killed while providing supplies to the forces.[116]
10 September
35 militants were killed when Pakistan bombed three militant hideouts in Datta Khel. Another 30 militants were killed when Pakistani fighter planes bombed two militant hideouts in Shawal.[117]
12 September
DG ISPR Asim Bajwa stated that the army is ready to go into remote areas to take down militants, if required. He added that the 10 militants behind the attack on Malala Yousafzai that took place on October 12, 2012 had been arrested, and those behind attack on Ziarat residency had also been arrested. He revealed that over 1,000 militants had been killed in North Waziristan including 45 hardcore militants, while 134 hardcore militants had also been arrested.[118]
14 September
Three Frontier Corps personnel were killed when a group of militants launched a rocket attack on a mountain fort in Spinwam area of North Waziristan near Afghan border.[119]
15 September
Fifteen militants were killed in fresh air strikes in North Waziristan. "Army Aviation Combat helicopters in precise strikes in Tabai area of North Waziristan Agency destroyed 10 explosive laden vehicles and 5 terrorists hideouts, 15 terrorists were killed," an ISPR statement said.[120]
16 September
Twenty militants were killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Khyber Agency’s Tor Darra area targeting three militant hideouts and destroying two ammunition dumps. Another 11 militants were killed as a militant attack from across the border targeted Pakistani security forces in Dandi Kuch in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan. Pakistani troops also arrested one terrorist. Three Pakistani paramilitary soldiers were also killed in the gun-battle.[121]
17 September
At least 11 militants and three soldiers were killed on Tuesday when Afghan terrorists attacked a Pakistani border post in North Waziristan Agency from Afghanistan.[8] Another 40 militants were killed in air raids on militant hideouts in North Waziristan. "Precision air strikes destroyed five terrorists' hideouts as well as ammunition dumps in village Nawe Kili and Zaram Asar in an area north of Dattakhel", ISPR said. "Many foreigners were among those killed in the air strikes", it added.[122]
18 September
23 militants were killed in air strikes on militant hideouts . "Today in precise aerial strikes carried out on terrorists hideouts in Zerom, Ismail Khel, and Datta Khel in North Waziristan, 23 terrorists were killed," said ISPR.[123]
20 September
TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid confirmed that a senior Commander Gul Hasan Afghani was killed in clashes with the Pakistan Army in the Boya area of the agency two days ago.[124] At least three militants were killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces in Boya area of the North Waziristan, ISPR said. A Pakistan Army’s naib subedar Muzzamil was also killed during the fire exchange.[125]
23 September
Twenty-three militants were killed in airstrikes in Bangidar area of Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan Agency, according to an ISPR press release.[126] According to ISPR reports, nineteen militants were killed in air strikes on militant hideouts in Dandi Kachkol near Ghulam Khan, Gurbaz and Mana near Pasht Ziarat in North Waziristan.[127]
28 September
At least 15 militants were killed when Pakistan air force jets stroke militant hideouts in North Waziristan. Foreign militants were also among the killed. Five militant hideouts were also destroyed.[128]
3 October
Fifteen militants were killed in air strikes in Jamrud and Bara areas of Khyber Agency, and three militant hideouts were destroyed, ISPR said in a press-release. Over 1200 militants had been killed in the operation so far.[129]
5 October
Despite the upcoming winter, the Pakistani military decided to continue the operation, dispelling an impression that the harsh weather may force military authorities to halt Operation Zarb-e-Azb which has been ongoing since mid-June. "Conducting operation in winters is certainly a challenge for the security forces but it is also a challenge for militants," a military official told the media.[130]
12 October
At least 11 militants were killed in military airstrikes targeting two militant hideouts in North Waziristan. In separate airstrikes in the Khyber Agency’s Kuki Khel area, at least 10 militants were killed. Three militant hideouts were also destroyed, said an ISPR statement.[131]
15 October
Five people were killed and seven injured in a suicide attack targeting members of a peace committee in the Peer Mela area of Tirah valley.[132]
16 October
In apparent response to the previous day's suicide bombing, 21 suspected terrorists were killed in air strikes in the Khyber Agency’s Tirah Valley, the Pakistani military said. Five terrorist hideouts were also destroyed.[133]
17 October
Eight militants were killed in the Aka Khel area of in Khyber Agency in clashes with Pakistani security forces. A militant hideout was also destroyed during the clashes.[134]
21 October
28 militants including foreign militants were killed in Pakistani air strikes in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan.[135]
22 October
DG ISPR Asim Bajwa addressing the media after a friendly cricket match was played between the IDPs accompanied by star cricketer Shahid Afridi and the army said that Operation Zarb-e-Azb is going well, and that 1100 militants have been killed so far. He refused to give a specific timeline of the operation's completion and said that the army is working towards making a "comprehensive plan" to rehabilitate them.[17]
25 October
18 militants were killed in Pakistani air strikes in Khyber Agency's Khyber district near the Afghan border.[136]
27 October
Pakistani officials claimed to have found evidence of 'new sanctuaries' set up by the TTP and its affiliates in the Afghan territory near the border with North Waziristan Agency.[137] In two separate incidents of aerial strikes, 33 militants were killed and nine militant hideouts were destroyed, according to ISPR. "In early morning aerial strikes ahead of Dattakhel, 18 militants were killed. Later, in Gharlamai area another 15 militants were killed by gunship helicopters," the ISPR statement added.[138]
29 October
Twenty militants were killed and eight others were injured in airstrikes by Pakistan Air Force in Akka Khel area of the Khyber Agency.[139]

American drone strikes

Main article: List of drone attacks in Pakistan

Drone strikes, which were halted for six months at the request of the Pakistani government, resumed for the operation. The following drone strikes took place during the operation:[18]

  • 11 June – Two strikes in Miramshah killed 16 suspected militants and injured several others. These were the first drone strikes of 2014; the previous strike occurred on 25 December 2013 in the Qutab Khel area of Miramshah, killing four suspected militants.[18]
  • 18 June – At least six militants were killed in Miramshah.[18]
  • 10 July – A strike in the Datta Khel area killed seven militants and injured three others.[18]
  • 16 July - Four missiles were fired in a strike in the tehsil of Datta Khel, two on a house and two on a vehicle, killing twenty militants and injuring five.[18]
  • 19 July - Eleven militants, including two commanders, were killed in the tehsil of Madakhel, Data Khel, North Waziristan. Most of the militants belonged to the Punjabi faction of the Taliban.[19]
  • 6 August - A strike in Datta Khel killed six militants and injured two others.[20]

Management of displaced civilians

As a result of the operation, 929,859 displaced civilians (from 80,302 families) were registered by Pakistani authorities as of 14 July.[23] Financial support, relief goods and food packages were being distributed[140][141] and 59 donation points were established across Pakistan by the army.[98]

Foreign assistance

On 10 July, the Foreign Office of Pakistan said that the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons was an internal matter and reiterated that Pakistan had not requested international assistance. "We have very clear instructions from the prime minister [to not seek external assistance], Pakistan has neither made nor intends to make a request for international assistance. It has been made very clear that all expenditure related to temporarily displaced Pakistanis will be met from our own resources", Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said.[142]

  •  United States – The United States allocated $31 million for IDPs[140] and an additional $9.3 million for health, hygiene, water and sanitation for IDPs and livestock.[143]
  •  United Arab Emirates – The United Arab Emirates government granted $20.5 million in IDP humanitarian aid.[140]

Reaction

Domestic

Social media

The decision by the Pakistani military to launch a comprehensive operation was widely supported, with journalists, opinion-makers, politicians and other social-media users commending the operation.[144]

Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf

PTI chairman Imran Khan endorsed the military operation in North Waziristan as it became clear that the Taliban were not seriously negotiating.[145] A week before, reiterating his party's stance on peace talks with militants, Imran said that an offensive in North Waziristan would unite militant forces against the Pakistani state. "Conducting such a military operation when most of the groups in NWA want talks is suicidal," Imran said in a statement, adding that most groups in North Waziristan desired peace talks with the government.[146] The PTI position changed as it became clear that negotiations were fruitless.[146]

Jamat-e-Islami

Jamat-e-Islami (JI), one of Pakistan's leading religious parties, continued to oppose any operation in North Waziristan. JI leader Siraj-ul-Haq urged the government to keep the option of negotiations with the Taliban.[147] He warned that a military operation in North Waziristan would trigger a massive human tragedy, saying that it was the duty of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to consider the views of the nation and its leadership (inside and outside Parliament) before making a crucial decision affecting national security.[148]

Muttahida Qaumi Movement

According to Muttahida Qaumi Movement senator Babar Khan Ghauri, "This is a commendable decision by the government. We have been repeatedly telling the current government that instead of engaging the terrorists in dialogue, government should act against these elements. Karachi has a number of terrorists and it might suffer from a blow back; this should be tackled so Karachi does not have to suffer on account of this."[49] MQM head Altaf Hussain said, "I welcome this operation and I am glad that government is supporting the armed forces, those who have not backed the operation must realize that it is a matter of national security. I appeal to them to come on same page by setting aside their political compulsions." he said.[149][150]

Awami National Party

Awami National Party (ANP) member Zahid Khan said, "We also held a dialogue previously (during our government) but that did not produce effective results. We wanted peace and we were okay if that came through dialogue but unfortunately that could not happen. This time, knowing from our experience, we had cautioned the government that [the] dialogue approach would not work. Government should have taken the parliament into confidence before launching the operation but it didn't."[49]

Local tribesmen

North Waziristan tribal elders assured their support for Operation Zarb-e-Azb, according to a statement released by ISPR director-general Major General Asim Bajwa. "Many tribal elders from around Miranshah, Mir Ali, Datta Khel assure support to army operation," Bajwa tweeted. "The tribesmen have assured the army that they would not let the militant to return to the area." [151]

Sunni Ulema Board

On 22 June 2014, more than 100 Islamic scholars issued a joint fatwa in support of the operation, calling it a jihad: "Crushing of the attempts to disrupt peaceful atmosphere in a Muslim state is jihad".[152]

International

  •  Afghanistan – Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Janan Mosazai stated that his government would provide "every possible assistance" to defeat the militants in the operation.[153]
  •  United Arab Emirates – Interior minister Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that his government would co-operate with Pakistan in the war against the extremists.[154]
  •  United Nations – In a statement, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated that as of 23 June more than 450,000 people were internally displaced from the war-torn region.[63] Other UN agencies, such as the UNHCR, agreed to provide tents and other facilities to the camps.[155] The World Health Organization (WHO) provided medicines and vaccines to the IDPs to avert a polio outbreak.[156]
  •  United States – The US supported military operations against Taliban militants, a spokesman from the US Embassy in Pakistan said on 16 June, and the US supported every Pakistani step taken for the establishment of peace.[157] The United States had pressured Pakistan for a military operation in North Waziristan for years, and the US Congress linked military assistance to Pakistan for the next fiscal year with military operations in North Waziristan in June 2014.[158] Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, said that the Pentagon was unaware of Pakistan's decision to launch a new offensive in North Waziristan: "The Pakistan military and the government understand the threat, and they continue to go after that threat."[15][159] On 5 November 2014, Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, a senior commander for US and Nato forces in Afghanistan, said in a Pentagon-hosted video briefing from Afghanistan that the Haqqani network is now "fractured" like the Taliban. "They are fractured. They are fractured like the Taliban is. That's based pretty much on the Pakistan's operations in North Waziristan this entire summer-fall," he said, acknowledging the effectiveness of Pakistan's military offensive. "That has very much disrupted their efforts in Afghanistan and has caused them to be less effective in terms of their ability to pull off an attack in Kabul," Anderson added.[160]
  •  China – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that terrorism was a problem common to China and Pakistan, since militants were the enemy of both countries, adding that China fully supported the operation.[161]

The novel "The Scriptwriter" written by Adeerus Ghayan has a socio-politico-military plot of which the Operation Zarb-e-Azb is an integral part.[162]

See also

References

Notes

Citations

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