On Ground Updates: Afghanistan/Pakistan - October 24, 2009

On Ground Updates:
Afghanistan/Pakistan
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* Pakistan’s Mother Of All Battles *
-Post 3 - Day 8-
Battle Continues With Security Forces Taking Complete Control Of The Town Of Kotkai - US Drones Providing Pakistan Army Intelligence, Surveillance Videos In Waziristan
Operation Rah-e-Nijat
Post Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009
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In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Military is reporting that at least 21 terrorists have been killed in the latest round of Operation Rah-e-Nijat. Pakistan had 3 soldiers killed, 8 injured during the same time period.
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Daily ISPR Update
Rawalpindi - October 24, 2009:
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1. South Waziristan - Operation Rah-e-Nijata
Today after intense fighting, security forces took complete control of important stronghold of TTP the town of Kotkai the native place of terrorists leader Hakim Ullah Mehsud and Qari Hussain.b. In last 24 hours, 21 terrorists have been killed during security forces operation in SWA. Security forces losses are 3 soldiers shaheed and 8 injured.
Details of operations are as follows:
(1) On Jandola – Sararogha Axis
(a) Security forces have taken complete control of Kotkai town. The place was stronghold of terrorists with majority of houses converted into strong bunkers. The town also has a training camp of Qari Hussain for suicide bombers. Security forces are in the process of clearing the built up area from IEDs, mines and booby traps.
(b) Security forces have taken complete control of Shishwam and are in the process of securing surrounding heights.
(c) During exchange of fire 12 terrorists were killed while 3 soldiers embraced shahadat and 8 have been injured.(d) Local sources have also confirmed that during initial stages (17/18) October in Spinkai / Kund Sector, 80-90 terrorists were killed including Uzbeks and other foreign terrorists and 150 terrorists were injured.
(2) On Shakai - Kaniguram Axis
(a) After securing Chalwastai security forces are in the process of securing important height of Tarkona Narai. This feature has number of terraces with fortified positions and is dominating important Y Junction on road leading to Kaniguram and Sar Wakai. Stiff resistance is being put up by terrorists. In exchange of fire 6 terrorists have been killed.
(b) During search and clearance operation at Khaisura village, security forces recovered a number of rifles and 1 x 14.5 mm gun from a compound.
(c) On main Axis route 1 ammunition laden vehicle has been destroyed along with 3 terrorists killed.
(3) Reliable sources have reported that due to the pressure of ongoing operation there has been large scale desertions amongst the rank and file of terrorists groups. It has been also reported that the terrorists are shaving and trimming their beards to escape from the area.
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2. Swat - Malakand - Operation Rah-e-Rast
a. 3 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Nawan Killi and Zara Khela.
b. Security forces conducted search operation at Sariath Sar, near maindam, Baidara near Khawazakhela, Shalpalam, Dagai and near Kabbal and apprehended 10 terrorists.
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3. Relief Activities - DI Khan and Tanka
11080 families which had arrived up till 31 August have been registered.
b. 9792 fresh IDP families have been registered from 13 October onwards.
c. Food Baskets for 2 months and non food items have already been distributed to old IDPs (80, 000).
d. Distribution of 1 x month food basket and non food items to fresh IDPs is under process.
e. Cash for food program for IDPs is under process through which IDPs are being paid Rs. 5000/- per month.
f. District administration has been asked to run evening shifts at local schools to accommodate displaced children.
g. Skill development training for IDPs is being arranged.
h. Local help line (call centre is being setup by special support group) at D I Khan.
i. ATM cards distribution in Tank will be carried out on 24 - 26 October 2009.

Taken from Press Release #438/2009-ISPR – Daily ISPR Update
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* Guarden.co.uk brings us the following report this Saturday afternoon and it starts off like this... In a breakthrough in the week-old Waziristan campaign, troops capture the home town of militant chief Hakimullah Mehsud... Pakistan notched up the first major success of its Waziristan campaign today with the capture of Kotkai, home to the Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud, one week after it launched a sweeping assault on the militants' heavily protected mountain fortress... The victory came hours after an American drone blasted a militant hideout at the other end of the tribal belt, killing 22 people and underscoring Washington's determination to press ahead with its campaign of targeted assassination even as Pakistani ground troops press in on the main Taliban stronghold. The apparent target of the strike, Commander Faqir Muhammad, reportedly escaped... The army seized control of Kotkai, a strategically located village along one of three axes of attack, after five days of bitterly fought combat that saw warplane attacks and gunfights around mountain outposts. At least 44 militants and 10 soldiers died in the fighting, according to army figures, and the village changed hands several times before the government achieved complete control this morning...
Read this report in full at link below...
Taliban leader's stronghold falls to Pakistani army
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* Telegraph.co.uk reports it this way...
Pakistani army takes home town of Taliban chief in South Waziristan offensive
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* DailyTimes.com.pk had the following report posted up on their website late Friday evening and it starts off like this... US drones are providing intelligence and surveillance videos to support the Pakistan Army’s offensive in South Waziristan, the Los Angeles Times reported on Friday... It said it was the first time Islamabad had accepted such assistance, which marked the “deepest American involvement yet in a Pakistani military campaign”...
Read the full report at link below...
US Aiding South Waziristan Offensive

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Pakistan on edge after Taliban attacks

About this News Video: Taliban attacks across Pakistan have left markets quiet, shops shut and citizens confining themselves to their homes... The army has begun a campaign against Taliban fighters in South Waziristan, but many Pakistanis are afraid the move could prompt retaliation from the armed group... Alan Fisher reports from the unusually subdued capital, Islamabad... (Originally posted: Oct. 23rd)
This video posted on YouTube by AlJazeeraEnglish
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AubreyJ.........