ISLAMABAD, 11 January 2006 — Latest reports from Miranshah said the security forces in a riposte killed 14 militants in pitched battles and skirmishes after the expiry of an ultimatum which local area Commander Maj. Gen. Akran Sahi had given to the notables of South and North Waziristan.
Security forces initiated the action early morning. Local villages and small townships were sealed off. Commanders made the final announcement through their mega phones for the production of those militants who have been attacking Frontier Corps and Frontier Constabullary forward posts located on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. As the ultimatum period expired, commanders gave the go-ahead signals to hundreds of security men who had taken positions during the last 36 hours. Local authorities through disrupted telephone lines could confirm deaths of 14 militants believed to be Taleban. Residents said, “Firing continued even after Maghreb prayers.”
Well-equipped soldiers of Pakistan Army are using NVDs (Night Vision Devices) to locate the positions of the militants. “They are extremists,”a source said, adding, “We have not recovered the remains of the militants who were killed during the battle. Once we recover their remains we will be able to determine their nationalities.”
Residents confirmed the flights of attack helicopters in certain areas. On a number of occasions, Pakistan Army used its high-tech Cobra helicopters. The situation continues to be tense despite the fact that the locals will celeberate Eid Al-Adha today. Militants believed to be Taleban attacked a post of the Frontier Constabullary near Miranshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan, killing seven men of the Fronteir Constabullary.
Authorities told Arab News from Miranshah, “they used RPG-7 rockets. Initial attack killed seven security men instantly. One was wounded seriously.”
Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan, director general, Inter-Services Public Relations, confirmed the attack and killing of seven security men yesterday. According to details, militants struck at 12.30 a.m. just after midnight. They attacked a security post with RPG-7 rockets at Sarband.
“We do not know who they were — tribesmen, Afghans or other foreigners who have been operating in this range for many months,” said Gen. Sultan.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Governor Awais Ghani told a press conference here yesterday that ”foreign powers were interfering in Balochistan. Some well trained militants receive fundings, military training and weaponary from foreign powers to disrupt peace in Balochistan, he said.
Awais Ghani called mediamen to the Balochistan House in Islamabad to say, ”We have sufficiant evidence that some foreign powers are providing funds and arms and ammunition to Baloch youth.”
He said the security forces have busted training camps in Balochistan and arrested all those who were involved in the incident of rocket firing at a public rally which President Musharraf was to address earlier.
Awais Ghani said in major areas of Balochistan there was complete peace. But Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and Nawab Khair Bux Marri are encouraging such elements who are attempting to disrupt peace in Balochistan province, he added.
Bush Senior to Visit Pakistan Jan. 16
Former US President George Bush, Sr. who has been made United Nations chief coorsdinator for earthquake rehabilitation will visit Pakistan on Jan. 16 on a two-day visit.
United Nations sources said, “His visit to Pakistan is very important. He will be making a comprehensive assessment of the earthquake damage and evaluate the rehabilitation cost.”
