 (KUNA) — Hundreds of Pakistani troops with aerial support launched an operation against a local holy man militant commander and his supporters in the once peaceful Swat valley in northern frontier province, NWFP, a day after huge explosions killed over 30 security personnel and wounded dozens others in the area. Paramilitary troopers, after Friday noon prayers, raided a seminary of local militants' commander Maulana Fazlullah at Imamdehri village, security sources told KUNA.
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. |
The attack has been seen in reaction to recent troops reinforcement in the valley in the aftermath of rising militancy and attacks on security forces. Military Spokesman Waheed Arshad said troops had been dispatched at the request of provincial government to improve the situation of law and order.
| 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. |
Militancy and extremism is on the rise in once peaceful touristic Swat valley since Tahreek Nifaz-e-Shariat Mohammadi (TNSM), Fazlullah's Al-Qaeda linked banned group, established its strongholds in the area. Despite the government ban on his group and its illegal radio station, Fazlullah, also known as "Mullah Radio," has been broadcasting fiery anti-government and anti-west speeches on his illegal FM radio station.
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
By Saleem Athar and Manzoor Ali Shah
 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 Fazlullahs spokesman Sirajuddin confirmed the attack on the clerics 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 Fazlullahs headquarters. Heavy weapons and helicopters were used when the forces surrounded Fazlullahs 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." |
NWFP Home Secretary Badshah Gul Wazir said they received unconfirmed reports of the abducted soldiers killing. The militants paraded the soldiers bodies in their vehicles while holding the head of a soldier in the air to show their barbarity, he added.
| That's unconfirmed barbarity, mind you. |
A journalist of a local television channel was also taken hostage in Imam Dheri on suspicion of being an undercover agent, but was released after four hours.
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. |
said the government was still trying to pacify the situation through peaceful means, while a meeting of the NWFP cabinet hinted at the promulgation of the Provincial Shariah Act 2003 to the Provincially Administrated Tribal Areas (PATA). The meeting also decided to implement the Nizam-e-Aadal Ordinance in the Malakand and Swat areas after removing the legal hitches with the consultation of the Peshawar High Court chief justice.
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.
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Military spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad confirmed on Monday that the army had taken the lead role from paramilitary personnel in the operation in Swat. 
Militants seized a town in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday and hoisted their flags over buildings after security forces surrendered, AFP quoted police and residents as saying. The town of Madyan was the third to come under the effective control of followers of firebrand religious leader 
Up to 70 militants have been killed in the Khawzakhela area of Matta tehsil in Swat district after up to 600 pro-Taliban militants attacked security personnel near Dheri Bagh at around 4:00 am on Thursday, NWFP Home Secretary Badshah Gul Wazir told reporters.