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Operation Zarb-e-Azb

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

  • – North Waziristan
  • – FATA
  • – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Date15 June 2014 – ongoing
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
Belligerents

 Pakistan

Insurgent groups

Commanders and leaders

Pakistan

President
Mamnoon Hussain

Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif

Army Chief
Raheel Sharif

Chairman JCSC
Rashad Mahmood

DG ISI
Zaheerul Islam

Air Chief
Tahir Rafique Butt

Naval Chief

Asif Sandila

Insurgent groups Maulana Fazlullah
Sheikh Khalid Haqqani
Sheharyar Mehsud
Asmatullah Muawiya Adnan Rashid

Usman Ghazi[2]
Strength
20,000[3] - 30,000[4] Thousands
Casualties and losses
8 killed, 7 injured.[5][6] (as of 17 June) 215 killed. (as of 17 June)[5][6]
1 civilian killed, 1 injured.[7]

Operation Zarb-e-Azb (Urdu: آپریشن ضربِ عضب ALA-LC: [Āpres̱ẖan Ẓarb-i ʿAẓb] Error: {{Transliteration}}: unrecognized language / script code: urdu (help) pronounced [ɑːpreːʃən zərb-e əzb]) is a joint-military operation involving Pakistan against the armed insurgent groups such as the Taliban (TTP), al–Qaeda, East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU). The operation was launched by the Pakistan Armed Forces on 15 June 2014 in North Waziristan, in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas along the Afghan border, as a renewed effort against militancy in the wake of the attack on Jinnah International Airport on 8 June claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.[8] It has been described as a "comprehensive operation" that aims to flush out foreign and local militants hiding in North Waziristan.[9] It is part of the ongoing War in North-West Pakistan.

Upto 30,000 soldiers are involved in the operation. In the first three days of operation, 215 insurgents were killed.

Etymology

Zarb-e-Azb (Urdu: ضربِ عضب ALA-LC: [Ẓarb-i ʿAẓb] Error: {{Transliteration}}: unrecognized language / script code: urdu (help) pronounced [zərb-e əzb]) means "sharp and cutting".[1] "Azb" also refers to the name of the sword of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, which he used in the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Uhud.[10]

Background

Jinnah Airport attack

Main article: 2014 Jinnah International Airport attack

This is all due to Zeshan Chutya. The operation started exactly a week after the terrorist attack on the Pakistan's busiest airport. On 8 June 2014, 10 militants of TTP and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan attacked Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan, killing 36 people, including all 10 attackers, and wounding at least 18 persons.[11]

Following 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 were killed on 10 June, including foreign fighters.[12] Two drone attacks on 12 June also killed Uzbek, Afghan and some local militants.[13][14] On 15 June, the Pakistani military intensified air strikes in North Waziristan, and bombed eight foreign militant hideouts killing Up to 150 insurgents, a majority of whom were Uzbeks, including those linked to the airport attack and a key Uzbek commander and mastermind of the airport attack, Abu Abdur Rehman Almani.[15][16] The intensified aerial strikes were conducted in the wake of the attack, and were an extension of a campaign of military operations against militants being conducted since the past few months.[12]

Peace-negotiations

The peace-negotiations with Taliban were announced by the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, as he came to power after the elections.[17] Previous attempts to engage the Taliban in a dialogue process had failed. The first session of the talks was held on 26 March 2014, at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, Islamabad.[18] These talks were held by the committees appointed by the Government of Pakistan and Taliban. The Taliban did not name representatives from within their own ranks and instead nominated pro-Taliban religious figures to represent their views.[17] The Taliban called for the implementation of Sharia law in Pakistan, whereas the Pakistani government demanded hostilities to be ceased, and insisted that the talks should be held within the framework of the Constitution of Pakistan.[17] A month-long ceasefire was reached between the government and Taliban on 1 March 2014.[19]

The talks involved travelling of the government representatives to the area near the Afghan border by helicopter, and meetings also took place at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House. The government had indicated that stronger military action will be used if negotiations fail.[18]

Peace-negotiations failure

The peace-negotiations collapsed after the execution of 23 Pakistani Frontier Corps soldiers by the Taliban on 17 February 2014.[20][21] The soldiers had been held by the insurgents since 2010. On 17 April 2014, the TTP formally ended the ceasefire.[22] More than 90 militants were killed in Taliban infighting since March 2014. The infighting resulted from the differences between the Mehsud group led by Sheheryar Mehsud and another TTP faction led by Khan Said Sajna, thus impeding the peace-talks.[23] The peace-talks suffered a death blow due to the terrorist attack on Karachi Airport, with the Taliban claiming responsibility for the brazen attack that led to the killing of 26 people.[11][24]

A Pakistani security official was quoted to have said: "the army is ready for an operation. It now all depends on the government to make a decision."[25]

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[26][27]

The Pakistani military had prepared for the operation since long before, whereas the Pakistani government prepared for the implications of the operation on three fronts.[28] This included the separation of the target militant groups, to get support from the political parties and to save the civilians from the backlash of the operation.[28]

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the nation stands 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," he said. He added that IDPs will be facilitated by the federal as well as KP governments. "We will try to ensure that the displaced do not have to stay away from their homes for too long."[29]

The army troops encircled militant bases in the towns of Mirali and Miranshah. Afghan security forces have been asked to seal the border on their side, officials said.[30] The operation is said to involve the PAF, artillery, tanks and ground troops.[30] "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," a military statement said.

A military official said that between 14,000 and 20,000 soldiers were normally stationed in North Waziristan before the operation. He expected the offensive would require no more than 30,000 soldiers altogether.[4]

Till 17 June, all civilian population of North Waziristan had been safely evacuated after detailed verification.[31]

Timeline

15 June. Start of Operation

A comprehensive operation was launched by the Pakistan Armed Forces on 15 June 2014 in North Waziristan, in FATA.[8][9]

Chronology

15 June

  • The Pakistani military intensified air strikes in North Waziristan, and bombed eight foreign militant hideouts killing Up to 140 insurgents,[5] a majority of whom were Uzbeks, including a key Uzbek commander and mastermind of the airport attack, Abu Abdur Rehman Almani.

16 June

  • Pakistani jet fighters pounded militant hideouts in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, killing 27 insurgents including Uzbek foreign fighters, airplanes also bombarded at hideouts of militants in various areas of Shawal.[32] According to details, two fighter jets launched airstrikes against militant hideouts in Shawal District of North Waziristan on early morning.[33]
  • ISPR said that six soldiers have been killed and three injured due to an Improvised explosive device (IED) explosion between the Afghan border and Ghulam Khan Tehsil in North Wazirstan Agency. They added that a security forces convoy was targeted on Bane Dar road in Ghulam Khan Tehsil on the Pak-Afghan border. Forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.[32]
  • Pakistani jet fighters pounded militant hideouts in Shawal, North Waziristan, killing 13 insurgents including Uzbek foreign fighters.[32]
  • Seven more militants were killed in exchange of fire when trying to flee from cordoned off area in North Waziristan on 16 June, said the ISPR press release. Two Pakistan Army soldiers were also killed in the fire exchange, it added.[32]

17 June

  • Air strikes targeted six militant hideouts in parts of North Waziristan killing 25 militants and raising the total insurgent death toll to 215. Air strikes were conducted around Hasokhel area of Mir Ali.[6]

Reactions

Domestic

Social media

The decision of the Pakistani military to launch a comprehensive operation saw a massive support. Journalists, opinion makers, politicians and other local social media users commended the operation.[34]

Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf

PTI's chairman Imran Khan endorsed the military operation under-way in North Waziristan. A week before, reiterating his party’s stance on peace talks with militants, Imran had 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 desire peace talks with the government.[35]

Muttahida Qaumi Movement

Muttahida Qaumi Movement's senator Babar Khan Ghauri said, "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."[29]

The MQM head Altaf Hussain welcomed the launch of operation. "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.

Awami National Party

Awami National Party member Zahid Khan said, "We also held a dialogue previously (during our govt) 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 dialogue approach would not work. Government should have taken the parliament into confidence before launching the operation but it didn't."[29]

International

United States

The US supported the military operation the Taliban militants, spokesman of the US Embassy in Pakistan said here on 16 June. The Spokesman said the US supports every step of Pakistan taken for the establishment of peace.[36]

The United States had pressurized Pakistan for a military operation in North Waziristan since long. The US Congress linked military assistance to Pakistan in the next fiscal year with military operations in North Waziristan in June 2014.[37]

Pentagon

Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, said that the Pentagon wasn't aware of Pakista's decision to launch a new offensive in N. Waziristan. "The Pakistan military and the government understand the threat, and they continue to go after that threat," he added.[4][38]

References

  1. ^ a b Desk, Web (10 June 2014). "Operation Zarb-e-Azb updates: Potential terrorist bases cordoned off; surrender points established". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 15 June 2014. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  2. ^ "Who are the Uzbeks launching terror strikes in Pakistan". The News International. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  3. ^ Walsh, Declan (16 June 2014). "In Drive Against Militants, Pakistani Airstrikes Hit Strongholds". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Shah, Saeed (15 June 2014). "Pakistan Operation Targets Waziristan Militants". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  5. ^ a b c "Welcome to ISPR". Ispr.gov.pk. 1 September 2009. Archived from the original on 17 June 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  6. ^ a b c "Welcome to ISPR". Ispr.gov.pk. 1 September 2009. Archived from the original on 17 June 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  7. ^ Gul, Pazir (16 June 2014). "Seven killed in clash between militant groups". Dawn. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  8. ^ a b "Zarb-e-Azb operation: 120 suspected militants killed in N Waziristan". Dawn. 15 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  9. ^ a b Nick Robins-Early. "Pakistan Launches Offensive Against Militants Near Afghan Border". Huffington Post. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  10. ^ "Negotiations end, Pak Army formally launches operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists | Dunya News". Dunyanews.tv. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  11. ^ a b "Heavy fighting reported at Karachi airport". Al Jazeera. 8 June 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  12. ^ a b Desk, Web. "Aerial bombing in Tirah valley kills 25 militants". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 17 June 2014. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  13. ^ "Successive drone strikes leave at least 16 dead in N Waziristan - Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  14. ^ "Drone targeted Haqqani network commander, Afghan Taliban: sources - Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  15. ^ "Mostly Uzbeks killed in overnight N Waziristan bombing: army – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  16. ^ "Karachi airport attack mastermind killed in N Waziristan: Sources – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  17. ^ a b c Shahzeb Jillani (6 February 2014). "Pakistan enters peace talks with Taliban". BBC. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  18. ^ a b "First day of Pakistan Taliban peace talks concluded". BBC. 26 March 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  19. ^ "Pakistani Taliban announce month-long ceasefire – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  20. ^ Crilly, Rob (17 February 2014). "Peace talks collapse as Taliban execute 23 Pakistani soldiers". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  21. ^ Golovnina, Maria (17 February 2014). "Peace talks between Pakistan and Taliban collapse after killings". Maria Golovnina and Amjad Ali. Reuters. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  22. ^ "TTP ends ceasefire, says talks option open – Newspaper". Dawn. Pakistan. 17 April 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  23. ^ "Taliban infighting impedes Pakistan peace talks – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  24. ^ Jon Boone in Islamabad. "Pakistani Taliban claim Karachi attack and leave peace talks in crisis". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  25. ^ Shah, Saeed (9 June 2014). "Pakistan Weighs Strike Against Taliban Over Airport Attack". The Wall Street Journal.
  26. ^ "ISPR". Ispr.gov.pk. 1 September 2009. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  27. ^ Omer Farooq Khan. "Pak military launches onslaught against Taliban - The Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  28. ^ a b آصف فاروقی بی بی سی اردو ڈاٹ کام، اسلام آباد (1 January 1970). "‮پاکستان‬ - ‭BBC Urdu‬ - ‮'حکومت نے آپریشن کے لیے 3 محاذوں پر تیاری کی'‬". BBC. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  29. ^ a b c "Supporters and critics weigh in on operation – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  30. ^ a b "BBC News - Pakistan army launches 'major offensive' in North Waziristan". BBC. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  31. ^ "25 terrorists killed as jets bomb hideouts in North Waziristan - Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 17 June 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  32. ^ a b c d "NWA operation: Seven more militants killed; toll rises to 187 - Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 16 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  33. ^ "North Waziristan: 12 militants killed in air strikes | Dunya News". Dunyanews.tv. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  34. ^ "Operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' gets a 'thumbs up' on social media – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  35. ^ "PTI endorses Zarb-e-Azb operation - Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  36. ^ "US supports operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' against Taliban". The News International. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  37. ^ "US pressure for operation in Waziristan mounts". The News International. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  38. ^ "US not taken into confidence over North Waziristan operation". The News International. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
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