Pakistan security forces capture Taliban stronghold

Islamabad, Nov 4 : Pakistani security forces achieved a major success in their operation in South Waziristan tribal region on the Afghan border by taking control of Sararogha, the operational nerve centre of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), officials confirmed today.

Military spokesman Maj-Gen Athar Abbas said troops had entered Sararogha last evening and were carrying out a search and clearance operation.

The troops faced fierce resistance in their advance towards Sararogha after having taken Kotkai, the hometown of TTP Chief Hakimullah Mehsud.

Sararogha has been the venue of TTP shura meetings and press conferences held by its leaders. It is close to the settled areas of Bannu and Lakki Marwat, Dawn newspaper reported.

Gen Abbas said the dislodging of the TTP from its operational base would lead to a quick disintegration of the organisation.

Although the TTP was claiming that it was a 'tactical withdrawal', he said, its capability of carrying out organised attacks and striking back had weakened to a great extent.

An official said security forces' ability to carry out effective surveillance and monitoring of militants' movement at night had played a major role in the success.

He said effectively targeted attacks had caused heavy casualties behind the front. These casualties were not in the count officially announced by the forces.

According to ISPR, 21 militants were killed and two suspects apprehended in South Waziristan on Monday and yesterday.

One soldier died and two others were injured in clashes.

In the search and clearance operation in Kaniguram, another Taliban stronghold captured by the Army two days ago, troops found arms and ammunition in different compounds. They were now advancing to adjoining ridges.

In Swat, 21 suspects were apprehended and 10 terrorists surrendered. Two SMGs with ammunition, a pistol and five grenades were seized in Cham. Two uniforms of the Special Services Group, camouflage jackets, machine guns, rifles, grenades and Russian IEDs were found in the Peochar area.

--UNI

(c) 2009 Published with permission from United News of India.
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