Operation Zarb-e-Azb
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation Zarb-e-Azb (Urdu: آپریشن ضربِ عضب ALA-LC: Āpres̱ẖan Ẓarb-i ʿAẓb pronounced [ɑːpreːʃən zərb-e əzb]) is a joint military offensive conducted by the Pakistan Armed Forces against various militant groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, al-Qaeda, Jundallah and the Haqqani network.[8] The operation was launched on 15 June 2014 in North Waziristan along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as a renewed effort against militancy in the wake of the 8 June attack on Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, for which the TTP and the IMU claimed responsibility.[37][38] Part of the war in North-West Pakistan, up to 30,000 Pakistani soldiers were involved in Zarb-e-Azb, described as a "comprehensive operation" to flush out all foreign and local militants hiding in North Waziristan.[39] The operation has received widespread support from the Pakistani political, defence and civilian sectors. As a consequence, the overall security situation improved and terrorist attacks in Pakistan dropped to a six-year low since 2008.[40]
Etymologies
Zarb-e-Azb (Urdu: ضربِ عضب ALA-LC: Ẓarb-i ʿAẓb pronounced [zərb-e əzb]) means "sharp and cutting strike".[41] Azb also refers to the sword owned by the Islamic prophet Muhammad, which he used in the battles of Badr and Uhud.[42]
Strategy
For the first time, the Pakistani military implemented a military strategy called "Seek, Destroy, Clear, Hold." The Pakistani military will seek the target. Once found, it will be destroyed. When destroyed, the infrastructure, bodies and weapons will be cleared and the area will be held both during this time and after its completion to ensure post-operation security and infrastructure rebuilding and/or area rehabilitation. The Seek and Destroy component is from the Vietnam War whereas the Clear and hold component is from the Iraq War. The Pakistani military combined the two doctrines as a single doctrine for the operation to be successful.
Background
Peace negotiations
Peace negotiations with the Taliban were announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after his election,[43] although previous attempts to engage TTP in dialogue had failed. The first session of talks, between committees appointed by the Pakistani Government and the Taliban, was held on 26 March 2014 at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad.[44] The Taliban did not name representatives from their ranks, instead nominating pro-Taliban religious figures to present their views.[43] The terrorists called for the implementation of Sharia in Pakistan; the Government of Pakistan demanded the cessation of hostilities, insisting that talks be held within the framework of the Pakistani constitution.[43] A month-long ceasefire was reached on 1 March 2014.[45]
Besides the meetings at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, negotiations also involved helicopter travel by government representatives to the areas under militant control near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The government had indicated that stronger military action would be implemented if the talks failed.[44]
Failure
Negotiations collapsed after the execution of 23 Pakistani Frontier Corps soldiers by the Taliban on 17 February 2014.[46][47] The soldiers had been held by the insurgents since 2010, and on 17 April 2014 the TTP formally ended the ceasefire.[48] Taliban infighting since March 2014 killed more than 90 militants. The strife, triggered by differences between the Mehsud group (led by Sheheryar Mehsud) and another TTP faction (led by Khan Said Sajna), impeded the negotiations.[49] The negotiations were irreversibly damaged by a terrorist attack on Karachi Airport for which the Taliban claimed responsibility and which killed 28 people (including security personnel).[50][51] A Pakistani military official was quoted to have said, "The army is ready for an operation. It now all depends on the government to make a decision."[52]
Jinnah Airport attack
Main article: 2014 Jinnah International Airport attack
The operation began one week after a terrorist attack on Pakistan's busiest airport. On 8 June 2014, 10 militants from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and TTP attacked Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, killing 28 people including security personnel and wounding at least 18.[50]
In retaliation, the Pakistani military launched a series of air-strikes targeting terrorist hideouts in the areas bordering Afghanistan. At least 25 militants were killed on 10 June. The figure also included foreign militants killed.[53] Two drone attacks on 12 June killed Uzbek, Afghan and local militants.[54][55] On 15 June the Pakistani military intensified air-strikes and bombed eight foreign militant hideouts, killing as many as 140 militants (most Uzbek, including persons linked to the airport attack and airport attack commander and mastermind Abu Abdur Rehman Almani) in North Waziristan.[56][57]
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[58][59] | ||
The Pakistani military had prepared for the operation long before, and the government prepared for a three-front operation:[60] isolating targeted militant groups, obtaining support from the political parties and saving civilians from the backlash of the operation.[60]
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the nation stood by its military: "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". Asif added that internally displaced persons would be assisted by the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments: "We will try to ensure that the displaced do not have to stay away from their homes for too long."[61]
The combat troops encircled militant bases in the towns of Mirali and Miranshah. Pakistani officials said that the Afghan's National Security Forces (ANSF) were requested to seal the border on their side so that militants do not escape.[62] The operation involved the Air Force, Navy artillery, tanks and ground troops. According to a military statement, "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."[62] An official with the military said that between 14,000 and 20,000 soldiers were normally stationed in North Waziristan before the operation, and he expected the offensive to require no more than a total of 30,000 troops.[28]
Timeline
- 15 June 2014
- The first phase of the operation began with intensified airstrikes in North Waziristan, targeting militant training facilities, hideouts, and other infrastructure.[63] The Pakistani military destroyed eight militant hideouts in the previous night's airstrikes. Hideouts in Degan-Boya and Datta Khel were targeted by jet aircraft, since foreign and local insurgents linked to the Karachi airport attack were confirmed there; an ammunition dump was also destroyed. As many as 140 militants (mostly Uzbek) were reportedly killed in the strikes, including commander and airport attack mastermind Abu Abdur Rehman Almani.[57][58][64] North Waziristan was sealed by troops on its border with neighbouring agencies and FATA regions to block the movement of militants. In North Waziristan, troops cordoned off insurgent bases (including those in the towns of Mir Ali and Miranshah).[58] Logistical and administrative arrangements for IDPs were made by the Disaster Management Agency, with the establishment of registration points and IDP camps.[58] Surrender points were established for militants wishing to give up their arms.[58] Aerial surveillance of the area was conducted. Afghan security forces were requested to seal the border on their side to prevent militants from escaping across the border and initiate immediate measures to eliminate TTP militants and their hideouts in Kunar, Nuristan and elsewhere in Afghanistan.[58]
- 16 June 2014
- Seven fleeing militants were killed on the outskirts of Mirali overnight, with three soldiers injured in the exchange of fire.[64] In a separate incident, seven more militants were killed when they tried to flee from the cordoned-off area. Two Pakistani soldiers were reported killed in an exchange of gunfire.[64][65] Six militant hideouts in Shawal, North Waziristan were destroyed by an early-morning airstrike by two fighter jets, with 27 militants killed. There were no civilians in Shawal.[64][65][66] Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported six soldiers killed and three injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion between the Afghan border and Ghulam Khan Tehsil in North Waziristan. According to ISPR, a convoy of security forces was targeted on Bane Dar Road in Ghulam Khan (on the Pakistani-Afghan border). Forces cordoned off the area, launching a search operation.[64][65] Three insurgents were killed by Special Services Group sniper fire while planting IEDs near Miramshah.[64]
- 17 June 2014
- Airstrikes destroyed six hideouts in North Waziristan, killing 25 foreign and local militants. Airstrikes were also conducted in the Hasokhel area of Mir Ali.[67] At least three suspected militants were killed when they attempted to flee a cordoned-off area in Miramshah, with one soldier injured in the exchange of fire.[67][68] No operations had begun in developed areas to ensure that no militants could escape the cordon and all verified civilians were evacuated.[67] More than 40 percent of North Waziristan was cleared of militants in the first three days of the operation.[69]
- 19 June 2014
- Fifteen militants were reportedly killed overnight in the Zartatangi Heights, east of Miramshah, by army Cobra helicopter gunships. The area was one of the main communications centres of the insurgents.[70] In a separate incident, eight Uzbek militants were killed near Miramshah while planting IEDs on the road between Miramshah and Mir Ali.[70] The evacuation of the civilian population from Miramshah and Ghulam Khan began. Checkpoints were established in a number of locations, where IDPs received food and medicine from security forces.[70] As many as 400 Afghan families left North Waziristan for Afghanistan via Ghulam Khan.[71]
- 20 June 2014
- Three militant hideouts in the Qutab Khel area, on the outskirts of Miramshah, were destroyed in the early morning by army Cobra helicopter gunships with artillery and sniper assistance. Twelve militants, including some foreigners, were killed in the strikes and a large cache of arms and ammunition destroyed.[71] Militants inside cordoned-off areas attempted to flee. Six attempts were halted overnight, and three local residents without identification were arrested trying to flee from the cordon.[71] Another 24 suspects disguised as IDPs were arrested at security checkpoints in Mirali and Miramshah.[71] The civilian evacuation continued from North Waziristan towards Bannu, with 200,000 IDPs evacuated so far.[71]
- 21 June 2014
- A total of 30 militants were killed in early-morning airstrikes in uninhabited areas of Khyber and North Waziristan Agencies. Jet aircraft destroyed two hideouts near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Agency, killing 10 militants. These surgical strikes were in line with the security forces' strategy to take on the militants across the FATA.[72][73] Three hideouts were destroyed in Hassu Khel, North Waziristan, killing 20 militants.[72]
- 23 June 2014
- Eight militant hideouts near Mir Ali were destroyed by jet aircraft during the early morning, killing 15. Tunnels were spotted in the targeted areas.[74] Ten militants were killed attempting to flee from cordoned-off bases in Spinwam and Mir Ali, with two Pakistani soldiers also reportedly killed in an exchange of fire.[74] The curfew was lifted for two hours to evacuate the remaining civilians. At the Saidgai security checkpoint, 414,429 IDPs were registered to date.[74] An army medical corps field hospital was being established in Bannu for displaced persons.[74] The civilian evacuation was almost complete. About 450,000 IDPs arrived in Bannu, and were registered at the Saidgai checkpoint.[75][76]
- 24 June 2014
- Twenty militants were killed and 12 hideouts destroyed in early-morning air strikes in Khyber Agency.[77] Twenty-seven militants were killed in afternoon jet strikes in Mir Ali and the surrounding area, with 11 hideouts and a large weapons cache destroyed.[77] An afternoon suicide car-bomb attempt was foiled in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan. When an explosive-laden vehicle approached a checkpoint outside a civilian hospital, soldiers fired at the vehicle (which exploded 100 meters from the checkpoint. Two soldiers and one civilian were reportedly killed when the roof of a nearby building collapsed from the explosion.[77]
- 25 June 2014
- Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets destroyed five hideouts in Mir Ali, killing 13 militants.[78] Twelve militants surrendered to Pakistani forces.[78]
- 26 June 2014
- The evacuation of 450,000 civilians was completed, and the operation's second phase began with a ground offensive by the Pakistani military.[63] Seven militants surrendered at the North Waziristan surrender center, bringing the total to 19.[79][80]
- 27 June 2014
- PAF aircraft destroyed six confirmed hideouts on the outskirts of Mir Ali in an evening raid, killing 11 militants.[79] TTP Miranshah Commander Umer was killed on the outskirts of the town by security forces that night.[79]
- 28 June 2014
- Militant groups were targeted during the early morning by integrated Pakistani artillery, tank and heavy-weapons fire outside Miranshah, killing seven.[79] An al-Qaeda commander, revealed by initial interrogation as an explosives, IED and suicide-belt expert, was arrested trying to flee from a surrounded base.[79] Three militants were arrested by security forces while trying to cross the Indus River near Mianwali. All river crossings were fortified to seal escape routes.[79]
- 29 June 2014
- Sixteen militants were killed when PAF fighter jets targeted their hideouts in Mir Ali, North Waziristan.[81][82] According to military sources, seven militant hideouts, explosives and ammunition dumps were also destroyed in the airstrikes.[81][82]
- 30 June 2014
- Early-morning ground operations began in and around Miramshah. Search operations were conducted by infantry and the Special Services Group, killing 15 militants. Troops discovered underground tunnels and IED-preparation factories in the cleared areas, with three soldiers reportedly injured in an exchange of fire. The civilian population had been evacuated.[83] Since the beginning of the operation 376 militants were killed and 19 surrendered, with 61 hideouts destroyed in the operation's first phase. Seventeen soldiers were reportedly killed.[83]
- 1 July 2014
- According to the ISPR, during ground operations in Miranshah a landmine factory was discovered and 225 cylinders, 700 pipes filled with explosive materials and 150 unfinished land mines were recovered.[84] Two Pakistani soldiers were killed and a third reportedly injured when militants ambushed a military vehicle in Mir Ali, North Waziristan.[85][86][87]
- 2 July 2014
- Ten militants were killed when Pakistani helicopters shelled hideouts in the Khar Warsak region, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) north of Miramshah, with three hideouts destroyed in the airstrikes.[88]
- 3 July 2014
- The bodies of seven militants were recovered in the Darpa Khel area of Mir Ali. A security official reportedly said, "Bodies were of suspected militants who were gunned down by security forces in Mir Ali tehsil of the agency", adding that the forces had advanced from Mir Ali and Miramshah Bazaar towards the outskirts of the agency after destroying three hideouts in Mir Ali (one of which held foreign militants).[89]
- 4 July 2014
- Pakistani soldier Niak Fiaz Mohammad was killed by an IED explosion, during a house-to-house search operation in North Waziristan. Mohammed's funeral was held in Bannu before the soldier's body was transported to his hometown, Mansehra. ISPR director-general Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said, "We salute the courage and bravery of Niak Fiaz Shaheed."[90] A Pakistani soldier from Azad Kashmir was killed in the Jord region of North Waziristan. The soldier, Sadheer Ismail from Malsi Ghari Dupatta, was buried in his family cemetery. Pakistan Army personnel attended Ismail's funeral, where friends praised his determination and resolve.[91]
- 5 July 2014
- Airstrikes targeted Miramshah and the village of Boya, destroying five militant hideouts, caves, and an ammunition cache. The early-morning strikes killed 20 militants, most of whom were reportedly Uzbeks.[92] A Pakistani soldier was killed during the ground offensive that morning when an IED exploded.[92]
- 6 July 2014
- Hundreds of Taliban fighters reportedly cut their hair and beards to flee the operation. According to IDPs, the Taliban disguised themselves in the weeks before the Pakistan Army operation. Although the militants advocated sharia in Pakistan and were contemptuous of Western culture, refugees said that in North Waziristan the militants enjoyed imported products.[93][94]
- 7 July 2014
- Pakistani Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif visited North Waziristan. Sharif was received by Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani, the Peshawar corps commander, and briefed by the general officer commanding for the operation. He commended the troops for their determination, commitment and resolve, praising the progress achieved since the beginning of the operation.[95]
- 8 July 2014
- Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in an interview with Radio Pakistan that 400 militants and 20 Pakistani soldiers had been killed so far in the operation. Although he declined to provide a time frame for the operation's end, he expressed a resolve to finish as early as possible.[96] Airstrikes by the PAF killed 13 militants (including foreigners) in the Digaan area of North Waziristan, according to an ISPR press release. Seven militant hideouts were also destroyed.[97][98]
- 9 July 2014
- Pakistani airstrikes targeted three hideouts, killing 11 militants in Shawal.[99] Ground operations continued in Miramshah, which was 80-percent cleared.[99]
- 10 July 2014
- The Pakistani army invited local and international media to Miramshah to observe the militant facilities. Flags, weapons and explosive materials were shown. ISPR Director Major General Asim Bajwa and Operation Commander Major General Zafar Khan briefed the media on the operation's progress. They said that as many as 400 terrorists were killed and another 130 injured to date. Eleven IED factories were uncovered, and over 2,000 IEDs confiscated. Bajwa said that underground tunnels built by the militants (one a kilometer long) had also been discovered: "This (Miranshah) was one of their major base, we have dislodged them from here and now they are on the run, We have also discovered their command and control centre, which would definitely affect their capabilities."[100]
- 11 July 2014
- Injured Taliban commander Adnan Rashid, al-Qaeda commander Mufti Zubair Marwat and Marwat's two guards were captured by Pakistani security forces in the Shakai Valley of South Waziristan when they tried to escape from cordoned-off North Waziristan, and were moved to an undisclosed location by army helicopter. Marwat was reportedly the brother of Mufti Sajjad Marwat, an al-Qaeda spokesman for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rashid was planning to flee to Afghanistan.[101] The arrest was confirmed by the TTP.[102]
- 12 July 2014
- Thirteen militants, primarily foreign, were killed in an early-morning PAF airstrike after firing rockets at a security checkpoint in Mir Ali; seven hideouts and an ammunition cache were also destroyed.[103][104] The connection of the cleared area in Miramshah and the Miramshah-Dattakhel road continued. In Khar Warsak and Zartangi, security forces discovered six motorcycle IEDs, two vehicle IEDs, two 12.7 mm guns, one 14.5 mm gun, three vehicles and eleven explosive belts during the previous 24 hours. Two explosive-laden vehicles were also destroyed in airstrikes at Degan.[103] Three militants, including one Uzbek, were arrested in Boya. Two suicide bombers were identified and chased, but they blew themselves up when encircled by security forces near the town.[103] Eighteen militants were killed in PAF airstrikes in the Mosaki area, 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of Miramshah, and artillery shelling in the Kharkamar area, 30 kilometres (19 mi) west of Miramshah. "Six terrorist hideouts and a huge ammunition cache were destroyed and at least 13 militants, mostly Uzbek, were killed in the Saturday morning strikes, five militants were killed and two militant hideouts were destroyed by artillery fire in the Kharkamar area on Saturday night", a security official said.[105]
- 13 July 2014
- According to the ISPR, five hideouts in Mir Ali were targeted by the military and several militants were killed.[36]
- 14 July 2014
- After Miramshah was under control, a ground offensive was launched in Mirali (second-largest town in North Waziristan) and the nearby Boya area.[106] Pakistani troops killed six militants (two of them suicide bombers), including Taliban commander Matiullah.[106]
- 15 July 2014
- In a media briefing, ISPR director general Major General Asim Bajwa said that 451 militants were dead and 88 hideouts[107] destroyed. According to Bajwa, 26 soldiers[106] were killed in the operation to date. According to ISPR, five Pakistani soldiers were killed in exchanges of fire in and around Mirali (including an officer, Captain Akash Rabbani). Two soldiers were injured, and 11 insurgents were killed.[108]
- 16 July 2014
- Thirty-five militants were killed in airstrikes in the Shawal area. According to an ISPR press release, "Today, early morning at least 35 fleeing terrorists were killed through aerial strikes in Shawal valley".[109][110] The Mir Ali ground offensive following the clearance of Miranshah continued, with airstrikes expected.[109]
- 18 July 2014
- House-to-house searches were conducted in areas of Mir Ali. Four militants were killed in an exchange of fire and 12 IEDs, an IED factory and caches of ammunition and foreign currency were seized.[111]
- 19 July 2014
- "The command and control system of terrorists was destroyed in North Waziristan," said Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. "There is no place for terrorism in a democratic country."[112] The villages of Boya and Degan were cleared by Pakistani military,[111] and the ground offensive continued in areas of Mirali.[111] Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani visited Mirali, Boya and Degan, meeting with the troops, and relief for IDPs was underway.[111]
- 20 July
- Twenty-eight militants were killed in airstrikes targeting six hideouts in the Shawal area of North Waziristan.[113]
- 23 July 2014
- Twenty militants, including foreigners, were killed by Pakistani airstrikes which destroying four hideouts in the Shawal tehsil of North Waziristan.[114] The ground operation in Mir Ali continued, with an ammunition factory and foreign currency seized from Mir Ali Bazaar.[114] According to ISPR, a disposal operation of mines and explosive materials was underway in Miramshah with six IED factories cleared by army engineers to date.[114]
- 24 July 2014
- Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in an evening IED explosion near Ghulam Khan, in North Waziristan (near the Pakistani-Afghan border).[115]
- 26 July 2014
- During the Mir Ali ground offensive, eight militants were killed and five hideouts were destroyed.[116]
- 27 July 2014
- Pakistani security forces cleared 70 percent of Mir Ali and adjacent areas.[117]
- 29 July 2014
- The Pakistani Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif celebrated the Eid al-Fitr with army soldiers and IDPs in Baka Khel and Bannu.[118]
- 30 July 2014
- According to the official sources, a Pakistan Army check post was attacked by Afghan militants in Lower Dir. The cross-border attack involved 70-80 militants. In retaliation, at least seven militants were killed and nine others were injured.[9]
- 2 August 2014
- During the ground operation in Mirali, three militats were killed in fire-exchange. An ammunition dump was also seized.[119]
- 4 August 2014
- During ground offensive in Datta Khel area, Seven Uzbek militants were killed in fire-exchange, two soldiers identified as Subedar Mashkoor and Lans Naik Zaheer were also killed. Data Khel was cleared and the ground operation continued in Mirali and other areas.[120][121]
- 5 August 2014
- Airstrikes on 6 militant hideouts were conducted by the Pakistani military, killing at least 30 militants. According to ISPR, the raids were carried out in the Datta khel, Marshikhel and Kamsham areas. Mirali was also cleared and the ground operation in Mirali came to an end.[122]
- 9 August 2014
- The Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during National Security Conference in Islamabad said: "We pay tribute to the sacrifices of our armed forces in the war against terrorism and express solidarity with their families." Sharif added that the "intensity of the blowback of the military operation would be low."[123]
- 14 August 2014
- A Pakistani security forces camp in Miramshah was targeted with rockets by unknown militants. No loss of life occurred.[124]
- 19 August 2014
- 48 militants were killed in airstrikes and shelling by gunship helicopters of the Pakistani military, destroying seven militant hideouts and several vehicles in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency.[125]
- 30 August 2014
- 32 militants were killed and three hideouts destroyed by army gunship helicopters in the remote areas of North Waziristan. According to ISPR, 23 explosive laden vehicles and four ammunition dumps were also destroyed.[126]
- 3 September 2014
- According to the ISPR, 910 militants had been killed so far in the operation. The ISPR statement added that eighty-two soldiers had also been killed (42 were killed in North Waziristan Agency), while 269 others have been injured. The Pakistan Armed Forces had cleared Miramshah, Mirali, Datta Khel, Degan, Boya areas of North Waziristan which were considered strongholds of terrorists.[127]
- 8 September 2014
- Ten militants were killed and five vehicles were destroyed by Pakistani gunship helicopters in Boya Degan, according to ISPR.[128]
- 9 September 2014
- A Pakistani soldier and six militants were killed in a counterattack during a clearing operation near Datta Khel. A civilian logistic staff member was also killed while providing supplies to the Pakistani forces.[129]
- 10 September 2014
- 35 militants were killed when Pakistan bombed three militant hideouts in Datta Khel. Another 30 militants were killed when Pakistani fighter planes bombed two militant hideouts in Shawal.[130]
- 12 September 2014
- DG ISPR Asim Bajwa stated that the Pakistani Army was ready to go into remote areas to take down militants, if required. He added that the 10 militants behind the attack on Malala Yousafzai that took place on 12 October 2012 had been arrested, and those behind attack on Ziarat residency had also been arrested. He revealed that over 1,000 militants had been killed in North Waziristan including 45 hardcore militants, while 134 hardcore militants had also been arrested.[131]
- 14 September 2014
- Three Frontier Corps personnel were killed when a group of militants launched a rocket attack on a mountain fort in Spinwam area of North Waziristan near Afghan border.[132]
- 15 September 2014
- Fifteen militants were killed in fresh air strikes in North Waziristan. "Army Aviation Combat helicopters in precise strikes in Tabai area of North Waziristan Agency destroyed 10 explosive laden vehicles and 5 terrorists hideouts, 15 terrorists were killed," an ISPR statement said.[133]
- 16 September 2014
- Twenty militants were killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Khyber Agency's Tor Darra area targeting three militant hideouts and destroying two ammunition dumps. Another 11 militants were killed as a militant attack from across the border targeted Pakistani security forces in Dandi Kuch in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan. Pakistani troops also arrested one terrorist. Three Pakistani paramilitary soldiers were also killed in the gun-battle.[134]
- 17 September 2014
- At least 11 militants and three soldiers were killed on Tuesday when Afghan terrorists attacked a Pakistani border post in North Waziristan Agency from Afghanistan.[10] Another 40 militants were killed in air raids on militant hideouts in North Waziristan. "Precision air strikes destroyed five terrorists' hideouts as well as ammunition dumps in village Nawe Kili and Zaram Asar in an area north of Dattakhel", ISPR said. "Many foreigners were among those killed in the air strikes", it added.[135]
- 18 September 2014
- 23 militants were killed in airstrikes on militant hideouts. "Today in precise aerial strikes carried out on terrorists hideouts in Zerom, Ismail Khel, and Datta Khel in North Waziristan, 23 terrorists were killed," said ISPR.[136]
- 20 September 2014
- TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid confirmed that a senior Commander Gul Hasan Afghani was killed in clashes with the Pakistan Army in the Boya area of the agency two days ago.[137] At least three militants were killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces in Boya area of the North Waziristan, the ISPR said. A Pakistan Army's naib subedar Muzzamil was also killed during the fire exchange.[138]
- 23 September 2014
- A suicide attack targeted the convoy of Frontier Corps Deputy Inspector General killed at least five people in Peshawar Cantonment including a Soldier and wounded 18 others. FC soldier NK Zareen Afridi was among those who embraced martyrdom .The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack.[139]
- Twenty-three militants were killed in airstrikes in the Bangidar area of Ghulam Khanx in North Waziristan Agency, according to an ISPR press release.[140] According to ISPR reports, nineteen militants were killed in air strikes on militant hideouts in Dandi Kachkol near Ghulam Khan, Gurbaz and Mana near Pasht Ziarat in North Waziristan.[141]
- 28 September 2014
- At least 15 militants were killed when Pakistan air force jets struck militant hideouts in North Waziristan. Foreign militants were also among the dead. Five militant hideouts were also destroyed.[142]
- 3 October 2014
- Fifteen militants were killed by airstrikes in the Jamrud and Bara areas of Khyber Agency, and three militant hideouts were destroyed, ISPR said in a press-release. Over 1,200 militants had been killed in the operation so far.[143]
- 5 October 2014
- Despite the upcoming winter, the Pakistani military decided to continue the operation, dispelling an impression that the harsh weather may force military authorities to halt Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which has been ongoing since mid-June 2014. "Conducting operation in winters is certainly a challenge for the security forces but it is also a challenge for militants," a military official told the media.[144]
- 12 October 2014
- At least 11 militants were killed in military airstrikes targeting two militant hideouts in North Waziristan. In separate airstrikes in the Khyber Agency's Kuki Khel area, at least 10 militants were killed. Three militant hideouts were also destroyed, said an ISPR statement.[145]
- 15 October 2014
- Five people were killed and seven were injured in a suicide attack targeting members of a peace committee, in the Peer Mela area of Tirah valley.[146]
- 16 October 2014
- In an apparent response to the previous day's suicide bombing, 21 suspected terrorists were killed in airstrikes in the Khyber Agency's Tirah Valley, the Pakistani military said. Five terrorist hideouts were also destroyed.[147]
- 17 October 2014
- Eight militants were killed in the Aka Khel area of Khyber Agency, in clashes with Pakistani security forces. A militant hideout was also destroyed during the clashes.[148]
- 21 October 2014
- 28 militants, including foreign militants, were killed in Pakistani airstrikes in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan.[149]
- 22 October 2014
- DG ISPR Asim Bajwa, addressing the media after a friendly cricket match was played between the IDPs, accompanied by star cricketer Shahid Afridi and the Pakistani Army, said that Operation Zarb-e-Azb is going well, and that 1,100 militants have been killed so far. He refused to give a specific timeline of the operation's completion, and said that the army is working towards making a "comprehensive plan" to rehabilitate them.[150]
- 25 October 2014
- 18 militants were killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Khyber Agency's Khyber district near the Afghan border.[151]
- 27 October 2014
- Pakistani officials claimed to have found evidence of "new sanctuaries" set up by the TTP and its affiliates in the Afghan territory, near the border with North Waziristan Agency.[152] In two separate incidents of aerial strikes, 33 militants were killed and nine militant hideouts were destroyed, according to the ISPR. "In early morning aerial strikes ahead of Dattakhel, 18 militants were killed. Later, in Gharlamai area another 15 militants were killed by gunship helicopters," the ISPR statement added.[153]
- 29 October 2014
- Twenty militants were killed, and eight others were injured in airstrikes conducted by the Pakistan Air Force in the Akka Khel area of the Khyber Agency.[154]
- 6 November 2014
- "Operation Zarb-e-Azb has helped disrupt Haqqani network's ability to launch attacks on Afghan territory", a senior commander for US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson said in a Pentagon-hosted video briefing from Afghanistan. He added that the Haqqani network was now fractured too.[155]
- 14 November 2014
- Thirty militants including foreigners were killed in air strikes on militant hideouts in Datta Khel.[156]
- 16 November 2014
- 27 militants including foreigners and commanders were killed in air strikes in Datta Khel militant hideouts. Last night, seven suspected terrorists were also killed during a search operation in Datta Khel. In the exchange of fire, three Pakistani soldiers were also killed while four were injured. "The Haqqani network and East Turkistan Movement have been eliminated from the area", commander of Operation Zarb-e-Azb Major General Zafarullah Khan said. He added that 1,198 terrorists were killed and another 356 were injured so far.[157]
- 25 November 2014
- Twenty terrorists, including members of the Haqqani network were killed in aerial strikes in North Waziristan.[158]
- 2 December 2014
- 32 militants, including foreigners, were killed in airstrikes in Datta Khel and Orakzai regions. In another incident, Pakistani military repulsed a pre-dawn militant attack on a military check post in the Sherin Dara area of Orakzai Agency.[159]
- 3 December 2014
- Fifteen militants were killed in aerial strikes targeting militant hideouts in North Waziristan.[160]
- 6 December 2014
- Pakistani special forces killed al Qaeda commander Adnan Gulshair el Shukrijumah. Several other militants were also killed during a targeted operation in the Wana subdivision of South Waziristan Agency. During the fore exchange, a Pakistani soldier Havildar Masood was also killed while another was critically injured.[161]
- 8 December 2014
- Airstrikes killed 30 militants, including important commanders in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan. The killed were local commanders of Hafiz Gul Bahadur and his ally Sadiq Noor.[162]
- 9 December 2014
- It was rumoured that Hafiz Gul Bahadur, a militant commander, was killed in air strikes in Datta Khel district of North Waziristan Agency. A compound where 30 to 40 top commanders of Gul Bahadur's Shura Mujahideen were having a consultative meeting, was targeted killing all of them.[163]
- 26 December 2014
- Aerial strikes in Datta Khel killed 23 terrorists. An underground ammunition dump and tunnel system was also destroyed.[164]
- 31 December 2014
- Pakistani air-strikes in the Shawal area of North Waziristan killed 23 terrorists.[165]
- 7 January 2015
- Twelve militants were killed as gunship helicopters targeted militant hideouts in Datta Khel. In the air-strikes, four militant hideouts and seven vehicles were also destroyed.[166]
- 16 January 2015
- Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said security forces have killed 2,000 militants in North Waziristan so far. Bajwa added that 200 soldiers had been killed during the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and 800 others were injured.[167]
- 25 January 2015
- 35 militants, including foreigners, were killed in air strikes targeting militant hideouts in Datta Khel.[168]
- 27 January 2015
- 76 militants including foreigners were killed in the Pakistani air-strikes targeting militant hideouts in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan. 53 militants were killed in the first round and 23 militants were killed in the second round of the air-strikes. Six militant hideouts and an ammunition dump was destroyed.[169]
- 20 February 2015
- A Pakistan Army Major Zahid Shaheed was killed in Datta Khel with a sniper rifle. In Pakistani retaliation, 5 terrorists were killed.[170]
- 22 April 2015
- At least 35 militants were killed in aerial strikes in South Waziristan and Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, according to ISPR.[171]
- 23 May 2015
- Four Pakistani soldiers were killed and two others were injured in Dattakhel area of North Waziristan Agency at night after their vehicle was targeted by an improvised explosive device. In Pakistani counter-retaliation, the military launched a search-operation killing seven militants in the pursuing fire-exchange.[172]
- 28 June 2015
- 23 militants were killed in the Pakistani military air-strikes in the North Waziristan and Khyber agencies. Foreign militants were also among those killed in strikes which also targeted ammunition dumps.[173]
- 5 July 2015
- Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed in the Taliban attacks in North and South Waziristan. in Pir Ghr, Taliban attacked a Pakistani military convoy and killed two soldiers and wounded another three. Another two remote-controlled bomb attacks targeting military vehicles in North Waziristan and South Waziristan killed five soldiers and injured six. According to the Pakistani intelligence officials, the Pakistani military was facing fierce resistance in the final push towards Shawal valley.[174] In the pursuing fire-exchange and military's retaliation, 12 militants were killed in Datta Khel in the North Waziristan agency.[175][176]
- 7 July 2015
- A Pakistani soldier was killed in Taliban attack on an army bunker in the South Waziristan agency.[177]
- 11 June 2014: Two strikes in Miramshah killed 16 suspected militants and injured several others. These were the first drone strikes of 2014; the previous strike occurred on 25 December 2013 in the Qutab Khel area of Miramshah, killing four suspected militants.[179]
- 18 June 2014: At least six militants were killed in Miramshah.[179]
- 10 July 2014: A strike in the Datta Khel area killed seven militants and injured three others.[179]
- 16 July 2014: Four missiles were fired in a strike in the tehsil of Datta Khel, two on a house and two on a vehicle, killing twenty militants and injuring five.[179]
- 19 July 2014: Eleven militants, including two commanders, were killed in the tehsil of Madakhel, Data Khel, North Waziristan. Most of the militants belonged to the Punjabi faction of the Taliban.[180]
- 6 August 2014: A strike in Datta Khel killed six militants and injured two others.[181]
- 24 Sept 2014: At least 8 people including Uzbek Militants were reportedly killed in a US drone strike Dattakhel tehsil of North Waziristan.[182]
- 5 October 2014: At least 5 suspected militants were killed in a US drone strike in Shawal area of South Waziristan tribal region.[183]
- 6 October 2014: At least 8 suspected militant were killed and several other injured in a U.S drone strike in Shawal district of North Waziristan.[184]
- 7 October 2014: At least 3 suspected militants were killed in a U.S drone strike in North Waziristan region.[185]
- 30 October 2014: A US drone strike killed at least 4, injuring several others in Birmal Tehsil of South Waziristan.[186]
- 11 November 2014: A US drone strike in Doa Toi area of Datakhel tehsil in North Waziristan Agency killed 4 suspected militants.[187]
- 21 November 2014:Reportedly Five suspected militants including two commander of 'Qaedat al-Jihad in the sub-continent’, a newly established branch of Al Qaeda were killed in a US Drone strike in Datakhel region of North Waziristan Agency.[188]
- 6 December 2014: A US drone strike killed a key Al Qaeda leader Umar Farooq along with four others in Datakhel region of North Waziristan Agency.[189]
- 26 December 2014: Two separate US Drone strikes in the Kund and Mangroti area of Shawal in North Waziristan Agency killed at least 7 suspected militants.[190]
- 4 January 2015: A reportedly high-value unidentified Uzbek commander of Taliban's Gul Bahadur group was killed along with 8 others by a US drone strike in Shawal area of North Waziristan Agency.[191]
- 15 January 2015: A US drone strike reportedly killed 7 suspected militants in Wacha Dara area of Liddah Tehsil of South Waziristan Agency.[192]
- 19 January 2015: A US drone strike killed 6 while injuring 4 others in the ShahiKhel area of North Waziristan's Shawwal tehsil.[193]
- 28 January 2015: A US drone strike killed 7 while injuring another militant in the Shawal area of North Waziristan.[194]
- 18 March 2015: A US drone strike killed a TTP commander Khawrey Mehsud along with 3 others in Shabak area of Kurram Agency.[195]
- 12 April 2015: A U.S drone strike killed 4 suspected militants in North Waziristan.[196]
- 16 May 2015: A drone strike Killed 7 to 13 militants in the Mana area of North Waziristan Agency.[197][198]
- 18 May 2015: A U.S. drone strike killed 6 suspected militants in Zoye Narye Area of North Waziristan.[199]
- 2 June 2015: Four suspected militants were killed in a drone strike targeting a vehicle in the Shawal area of North Waziristan.[200]
- 6 June 2015: At least nine suspected militants were killed in a strike in Shawal's Zoya Saidgai area, considered to be a hideout of the Afghan Taliban.[201][202]
Afghanistan – Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Janan Mosazai stated that his government would provide "every possible assistance" to defeat the militants in the operation.[226]
United Arab Emirates – Interior minister Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that his government would co-operate with Pakistan in the war against the extremists.[227]
United Nations – In a statement, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated that as of 23 June more than 450,000 people were internally displaced from the war-torn region.[75] Other UN agencies, such as the UNHCR, agreed to provide tents and other facilities to the camps.[228] The World Health Organization (WHO) provided medicines and vaccines to the IDPs to avert a polio outbreak.[229]
United States – The US supported military operations against Taliban militants, a spokesman from the US Embassy in Pakistan said on 16 June, and the US supported every Pakistani step taken for the establishment of peace.[230] The United States had pressured Pakistan for a military operation in North Waziristan for years, and the US Congress linked military assistance to Pakistan for the next fiscal year with military operations in North Waziristan in June 2014.[231] Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, said that the Pentagon was unaware of Pakistan's decision to launch a new offensive in North Waziristan: "The Pakistan military and the government understand the threat, and they continue to go after that threat."[28][232] On 5 November 2014, Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, a senior commander for US and Nato forces in Afghanistan, said in a Pentagon-hosted video briefing from Afghanistan that the Haqqani network is now "fractured" like the Taliban. "They are fractured. They are fractured like the Taliban is. That's based pretty much on the Pakistan's operations in North Waziristan this entire summer-fall," he said, acknowledging the effectiveness of Pakistan's military offensive. "That has very much disrupted their efforts in Afghanistan and has caused them to be less effective in terms of their ability to pull off an attack in Kabul," Anderson added.[233]
China – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that terrorism was a problem common to China and Pakistan, since militants were the enemy of both countries, adding that China fully supported the operation.[234]
Russia – Chairman of the State Duma Sergey Naryshkin commended the operation, while the Pakistani Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif was on an official visit to Russia. "We will stand by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and extremism for stability in the region. Our relations are independent, more consistent and will further grow," he added.[235][236][237][238]- ↑ http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/332828-Army-announces-successful-conclusion-of-Shawal-ope
- ↑ http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/04/pakistan-claims-senior-ttp-commander-captured-in-north-waziristan.php
- ↑ "Zarb-e-Azb: 90% area recovered, 3400 terrorists killed". 14 November 2014. Archived from the original on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
- ↑ Saleem, Farukh (14 October 2014). "India disappointed by Zarb-e-Azb's success". The News International, editorial. The News International. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
- ↑ Khan, Tahir. "Anti-terrorism cooperation: Islamabad asks Kabul to extradite Fazlullah". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
- ↑ "Securing the "Durand Line"".
- ↑ Zahir Shah Sherazi. "Cross-border militant attacks kill four soldiers in Bajaur".
- 1 2 "US commander commends Zarb-e-Azb for disrupting Haqqani network's ability to target Afghanistan". The Express Tribune. 6 November 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
- 1 2 "Cross-border attack: 7 militants killed as Pak army check post targeted in Lower Dir". The Express Tribune. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- 1 2 "Volatile frontiers: Attack on border post repulsed". The Express Tribune. 17 September 2014. Archived from the original on 23 September 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Militants attack Pakistani post near Afghan border". Yahoo News. 16 September 2014.
- ↑ "Militants attack Pakistani post near Afghan border". Mail Online.
- ↑ "3 FC personnel, 11 militants killed in North Waziristan cross-border attack".
- ↑ "Pakistani splinter group rejoins Taliban amid fears of isolation". Reuters. 12 March 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 "IMU Declares It Is Now Part Of The Islamic State". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
- 1 2 "ISIS Now Has Military Allies in 11 Countries – NYMag". Daily Intelligencer. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
- ↑ "Pakistan Taliban splinter group vows allegiance to Islamic State". Reuters. 18 November 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ↑ "COAS orders to launch final phase of operation Zarb-e-Azb to clear 'remnants of terrorists'". Dunya tv. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
- ↑ "90% NWA areas cleared of terrorists: Mag Gen Zafar". Samaa TV. 15 November 2014. Retrieved 25 February,2016. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "Who are the Uzbeks launching terror strikes in Pakistan". The News International. 15 June 2014. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
- ↑ "Report: A former physics teacher is now leading ISIS — Business Insider". Business Insider. 23 April 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
- ↑ "ISIS' Abu Alaa al-Afri killed alongside dozens of followers in air strike — Daily Mail Online". Mail Online. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
- ↑ http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-wp-blm-declassified-411c3f46-da33-11e5-8210-f0bd8de915f6-20160223-story.html
- ↑ "Released Gitmo detainee joins ISISNov. 19, 2014 - 2:30 - Former Taliban commander named chief of ISIS in Khorasa". fox news. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
- ↑ "Local support for dreaded Islamic State growing in Pakistan: Report". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
- ↑ "IMU announces death of emir, names new leader". The Long War Journal. 4 August 2014.
- ↑ Walsh, Declan (16 June 2014). "In Drive Against Militants, Pakistani Airstrikes Hit Strongholds". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 Shah, Saeed (15 June 2014). "Pakistan Operation Targets Waziristan Militants". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- 1 2 "Army Chief Raheel Sharif Vows to Hunt Down Every Terrorist". Pakistan Tribe. 24 December 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
- 1 2 Fatalities in Terrorist Violence in Pakistan 2003-2015. satp.org (6 September 2015). Retrieved on 2015-09-06.
- ↑ Syed, Baqir Sajjad (14 June 2015). "Conclusive phase of Zarb-i-Azb next month". Dawn. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
- ↑ Template:Waqat news
- ↑ "Militant commander Hafiz Saeed killed in Khyber blast". ARY NEWS. 17 April 2015.
- ↑ "Operation Zarb-e-Azb updates archive". ISPR. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ↑ Gul, Pazir (16 June 2014). "Seven killed in clash between militant groups". Dawn. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Air raids flatten 5 militant hideouts". The Express Tribune. 14 July 2014. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ↑ Khan, Wajahat S (14 October 2014). "Zarb-e-Azb: Gear up for the 'forever war'". A series of special reports on Operation Zarb-e-Azb by the newspaper's National Security Editor. News International, 2014 editorial. News International. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
- ↑ "Zarb-e-Azb operation: 120 suspected militants killed in N Waziristan". Dawn. 15 June 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ↑ "Pakistan Launches Offensive Against Militants Near Afghan Border". Huffington Post. Associated Press. 15 June 2014. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
- ↑ "Militant attacks declined after Zarb-e-Azb operation: report". The Nation. 17 June 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ↑ Desk, Web (10 June 2014). "Operation Zarb-e-Azb updates". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ "Negotiations end, Pak Army formally launches operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists; Dunya News". Dunyanews.tv. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 Shahzeb Jillani (6 February 2014). "Pakistan enters peace talks with Taliban". BBC. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- 1 2 "First day of Pakistan Taliban peace talks concluded". BBC. 26 March 2014. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ "Pakistani Taliban announce month-long ceasefire – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ Crilly, Rob (17 February 2014). "Peace talks collapse as Taliban execute 23 Pakistani soldiers". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ Golovnina, Maria (17 February 2014). "Peace talks between Pakistan and Taliban collapse after killings". Maria Golovnina and Amjad Ali. Reuters. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ "TTP ends ceasefire, says talks option open – Newspaper". Dawn. Pakistan. 17 April 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ "Taliban infighting impedes Pakistan peace talks – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- 1 2 "Heavy fighting reported at Karachi airport". Al Jazeera. 8 June 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
- ↑ Jon Boone in Islamabad. "Pakistani Taliban claim Karachi attack and leave peace talks in crisis". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ Shah, Saeed (9 June 2014). "Pakistan Weighs Strike Against Taliban Over Airport Attack". The Wall Street Journal. (subscription required (help)).
- ↑ Desk, Web. "Aerial bombing in Tirah valley kills 25 militants". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- ↑ "Successive drone strikes leave at least 16 dead in N Waziristan – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- ↑ "Drone targeted Haqqani network commander, Afghan Taliban: sources – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- ↑ "Mostly Uzbeks killed in overnight N Waziristan bombing: army – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- 1 2 "Karachi airport attack mastermind killed in N Waziristan: Sources – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Press Releases of 15 June, ISPR, 15 June 2014, archived from the original on 20 June 2014, retrieved 20 June 2014
- ↑ Omer Farooq Khan. "Pak military launches onslaught against Taliban". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- 1 2 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. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Supporters and critics weigh in on operation – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- 1 2 "Pakistan army launches 'major offensive' in North Waziristan". BBC. 15 June 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- 1 2 "Operation Zarb-e-Azb: Ground offensive initiates". Pakistan Today. 26 June 2014. Archived from the original on 27 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Press Releases of 16 June, ISPR, 16 June 2014, archived from the original on 20 June 2014, retrieved 20 June 2014
- 1 2 3 "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.
- ↑ "North Waziristan: 12 militants killed in air strikes". Dunyanews.tv. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 Press Release No PR131/2014-ISPR, ISPR, 17 June 2014, archived from the original on 17 June 2014, retrieved 17 June 2014
- ↑ "Fresh blitz kills 28 more militants". The Express Tribune. 18 June 2014. Archived from the original on 18 June 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
- ↑ "دہشت گردوں سے شمالی وزیرستان کے40 فیصد سے زائد علاقے کو خالی کرالیا گیا". Amir Khan. Express News. 18 June 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 Press Release No PR135/2014-ISPR, ISPR, 19 June 2014, archived from the original on 20 June 2014, retrieved 19 June 2014
- 1 2 3 4 5 Press Releases of 20 June, ISPR, 20 June 2014, archived from the original on 20 June 2014, retrieved 20 June 2014
- 1 2 Press Releases of 21 June, ISPR, 21 June 2014, archived from the original on 21 June 2014, retrieved 21 June 2014
- ↑ "30 more terrorists killed in NWA, Khyber Agency strikes". Daily Times. 22 June 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 Press Releases of 23 June, ISPR, 23 June 2014, archived from the original on 24 June 2014, retrieved 23 June 2014
- 1 2 "Over 450,000 people displaced in northwestern Pakistan". Xinhua News Agency. 23 June 2014. Archived from the original on 24 June 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
- ↑ "Operation Zarb-e-Azb updates: Evacuation of IDPs from N Waziristan comes to an end". affairs.com.pk. 24 June 2014. Archived from the original on 25 June 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 Press Releases of 24 June, ISPR, 24 June 2014, archived from the original on 24 June 2014, retrieved 24 June 2014
- 1 2 Press Releases of 25 June, ISPR, 25 June 2014, archived from the original on 28 June 2014, retrieved 25 June 2014
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "ISPR Press Releases of 28 June". ISPR. 28 June 2014. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ↑ "Zarb-e-Azb: 327 militants killed so far, tells DG ISPR". ARY News. 26 June 2014. Archived from the original on 27 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
- 1 2 "Jets strafe militant hideouts; 16 killed". 30 June 2014. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- 1 2 "Zarb-e-Azb: 16 more terrorists eliminated, 7 hideouts smashed". 30 June 2014. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- 1 2 "ISPR Press releases of 30 June". ISPR. Archived from the original on 1 July 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ↑ "Haqqani fighters won't be spared either". Express Tribune. 2 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
- ↑ "Pakistan reiterates NWA offensive will hit Haqqani network". DAWN. Archived from the original on 2 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
- ↑ "Militant ambush in NWA kills two security personnel". 1 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
- ↑ "Two soldiers killed in NWA ambush". The News. 2 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
- ↑ "Helicopters destroy 3 militant hideouts near Miramshah, kill 10 terrorists". 2 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
- ↑ "Bodies of seven suspected militants recovered in North Waziristan". The Express Tribune. 3 July 2014. Archived from the original on 5 July 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
- ↑ "NWA blast leaves soldier dead". The Nation. 5 July 2014. Archived from the original on 5 July 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
- ↑ "In the line of duty: AJK soldier laid to rest". The Express Tribune. 7 July 2014. Archived from the original on 8 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- 1 2 "ISPR Press releases of 5 July". ISPR. Archived from the original on 6 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
- ↑ "Taliban cut hair and beards to flee army assault". Dawn. AFP. 6 July 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
- ↑ "Taliban cut hair and beards to flee Pakistan Army assault". Zee News. 6 July 2014. Archived from the original on 6 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
- ↑ "ISPR Press Releases of 7 July". ISPR. 7 July 2014. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ↑ "Operation Zarb-e-Azb: 400 militants killed so far, says Khawaja Asif". The Express Tribune. 8 July 2014. Archived from the original on 8 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- ↑ "13 more terrorists killed in Operation Zarb-e-Azb". The News. 8 July 2014. Archived from the original on 8 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- ↑ "Another 13 Militants Killed In North Waziristan, Says ISPR". Newsweek Pakistan. 8 July 2014. Archived from the original on 8 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- 1 2 "Zarb-e-Azb: 80 percent of Miranshah cleared; 11 more killed in jet bombing". Daily Times. 10 July 2014. Archived from the original on 10 July 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
- ↑ "Operation Zarb-e-Azb: Terrorists are on the run, says Bajwa". The Express Tribune. 10 July 2014. Archived from the original on 10 July 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
- ↑ "Key TTP commander Adnan Rashid arrested in S Waziristan: sources". Dawn (newspaper). 16 July 2014. Archived from the original on 16 July 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
- ↑ "TTP confirm arrest of key commander Adnan Rashid". The Nation. 16 July 2014. Archived from the original on 16 July 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
- 1 2 3 "ISPR Press Release of 12 June". ISPR. 12 July 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 13 July 2014.
- ↑ "13 militants killed in fresh air strikes in Mirali". The Express Tribune. 12 July 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 13 July 2014.
- ↑ "Jets, artillery kill 18 in anti-militant offensive". The Express Tribune. 13 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Troops gain control of Miramshah, enter Mirali". Dawn. 16 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
- ↑ "Five soldiers killed as forces move into Mirali". Pakistan Today. 16 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
- ↑ "Press Releases of 15 July". ISPR. 15 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
- 1 2 "Nawaz, army chief discuss progress of N Waziristan operation". Dawn (newspaper). 16 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
- ↑ "Press Releases of 16 July". ISPR. 16 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Press Releases of 19 July". ISPR. Archived from the original on 20 July 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
- ↑ "Command and control system of terrorists destroyed in NW: Khawaja Asif". The Express Tribune. 19 July 2014. Archived from the original on 20 July 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
- ↑ "Zarb-e-Azb: 28 terrorists killed in Shawal air strikes". The News. 20 July 2014. Archived from the original on 20 July 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Twenty terrorists killed in air strikes". Radio Pakistan. 23 July 2014. Archived from the original on 23 July 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
- ↑ "Two soldiers killed in IED blast on Pakistan-Afghanistan border". The Express Tribune. 24 July 2014. Archived from the original on 24 July 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- ↑ "Zarb-e-Azb: Eight militants killed and five hideouts destroyed". The Nation. 26 July 2014. Archived from the original on 26 July 2014. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
- ↑ "Zarb-i-Azb: Army claims 70pc area of Mirali cleared in NWA". Dawn (newspaper). 27 July 2014. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
- ↑ "Army chief celebrates Eid with troops, IDPs". Dawn (newspaper). 1 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ↑ "Three terrorists killed in operation in Mir Ali". Radio Pakistan. 2 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ↑ "Operation Zarb-e-Azb continues, 2 soldiers and 7 Uzbek militants killed in clash". The Asian Time. 4 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ↑ "Seven Uzbek militants and two soldiers killed in FATA". South Asia Terrorism Portal. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ↑ "Jets flatten six hideouts, killing 30 terrorists". The Express Tribune. 6 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ↑ "Nawaz expresses confidence over PTI dialogue during National Security Conference". The Express Tribune. 9 August 2014. Archived from the original on 11 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ↑ "Rockets fired into security forces camp in Miramshah". The Express Tribune. 14 August 2014. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ↑ "48 suspected militants killed in fresh NWA, Khyber airstrikes". Zahir Shah Sherazi. Dawn. 19 August 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
- ↑ "32 killed as army target militants in North Waziristan". Daily Times. 30 August 2014. Archived from the original on 20 October 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ "910 militants killed since start of Operation Zarb-e-Azb: ISPR". The Express Tribune. 3 September 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ "Airstrikes in North Waziristan kill 10 suspected militants". The Frontier Post. 8 September 2014. Archived from the original on 20 October 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ "Six militants, soldier killed in Pak clashes". Indian Express. 9 September 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ "At Least 65 Militants Killed in Airstrikes, Pakistan Says". The New York Times. 10 September 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ "Malala Yousafzai's attackers arrested: DG ISPR". The Express Tribune. 12 September 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ "Militant attack on army fort kills three FC men in North Waziristan". The Express Tribune. 14 September 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ "Pak army kills 15 militants; 3 die in attacks targeting police". The Indian Express. 15 September 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ "11 terrorists, 3 FC soldiers killed as cross border attack thwarted in NWA". Dawn. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ "Jets strafe hideouts of militants; 40 killed". The Express Tribune. 18 September 2014. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "23 militants killed in fresh airstrikes". The Express Tribune. 19 September 2014. Archived from the original on 23 September 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Clashes with security forces: TTP commander killed in North Waziristan". The Express Tribune. 20 September 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Clashes with security forces: TTP commander killed in North Waziristan". Dispatch News Desk. 20 September 2014. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ {{Dawn News\archiveurl=http://www.dawn.com/news/1133944/five-killed-in-peshawar-suicide-attack-on-fc-convoy | date =23 September 2014}}
- ↑ "23 killed in air attacks on militant hideouts". Dawn. 23 September 2014. Archived from the original on 23 September 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Air strikes kill 19 suspected terrorists in North Waziristan". Dawn. 23 September 2014. Archived from the original on 30 September 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "15 militants killed in North Waziristan air strikes". Geo News. 28 September 2014. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Zarb-e-Azb: 15 militants killed in Khyber Agency airstrike". RTi Live. 3 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Offensive will continue in winter: official". The Express Tribune. 5 October 2014. Archived from the original on 29 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "21 killed in NWA, Khyber Agency airstrikes". Pakistan Today. 12 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Khyber Agency violence: Suicide bombing kills five in Tirah Valley". The Express Tribune. 16 October 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "21 'militants' killed in Tirah Valley air blitz". The Express Tribune. 17 October 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "8 militants killed in Khyber Agency clashes". The Express Tribune. 17 October 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Aerial strikes kill 28 terrorists". The Express Tribune. 22 October 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "With Shahid Afridi on their side, Bannu IDPs defeat army in cricket match". The Express Tribune. 22 October 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Air strikes kill 18 militants in Khyber Agency". The Express Tribune. 26 October 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Operation Zarb-e-Azb: TTP sets up new sanctuaries in Afghanistan". The Express Tribune. 27 October 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Two Uzbeks among 33 militants killed in NWA air strikes". The News. 28 October 2014. Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "Air strikes kill 20 militants in Khyber Agency". Geo News. 29 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
- ↑ "US commander commends Zarb-e-Azb for disrupting Haqqani network's ability to target Afghanistan". The Express Tribune. 6 November 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Zarb-e-Azb: 30 more terrorists killed". SAMAA TV. 14 November 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Three soldiers, 34 militants killed in Miranshah". The Express Tribune. 16 November 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Airstrikes in North Waziristan killed Haqqani militants: intelligence officials". The Express Tribune. 25 November 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Foreigners among 32 killed in Orakzai, North Waziristan". The Express Tribune. 3 December 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "15 militants killed in air strikes in North Waziristan". The Express Tribune. 3 December 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "South Waziristan raid: Security forces kill key al Qaeda leader". The Express Tribune. 7 December 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "'Key commanders' among at least 30 killed in North Waziristan airstrikes". The Express Tribune. 8 December 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Datta Khel air strikes: Rumours swirl about death of Haqqani network's ally". The Express Tribune. 9 December 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Fresh air strikes kill 23 terrorists, destroy underground tunnel system in North Waziristan". The News Tribe. 26 December 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "23 terrorists killed in latest air strikes in Shawal". The Express Tribune. 31 December 2014. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
- ↑ "Gunships foray militant hideouts in North Waziristan, kill 12 terrorists". The News Tribe. 7 January 2015. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "2,000 militants killed in North Waziristan so far: DG ISPR". The Express Tribune. 16 January 2015. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Aerial strikes kill 35 terrorists in North Waziristan". SAMAA TV. 25 January 2015. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Foreigners among 76 suspected militants killed in fresh North Waziristan air strikes". The Express Tribune. 27 January 2015. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
- ↑ "N Waziristan operation: Army officer, 5 militants slain". The Express Tribune. 21 February 2015. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "35 militants killed in North and South Waziristan air strikes". The Express Tribune. 22 April 2015. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Four soldiers, 7 militants killed". Dawn News. 24 May 2015. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
- ↑ "Pakistan military says 23 militants killed in air strikes". Zee News. 5 July 2015. Archived from the original on 5 July 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
- ↑ "Seven Pakistani troops killed as army pushes to finish anti-Taliban offensive". Channel NewsAsia. 5 July 2015. Archived from the original on 5 July 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
- ↑ "7 Pakistani Troops Killed in Bomb Attack, Firefight". VOA News. 5 July 2015. Archived from the original on 5 July 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
- ↑ "12 terrorists killed by security forces in North Waziristan". The News Tribe. 5 July 2015. Archived from the original on 5 July 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
- ↑ "Taliban kill Pakistani soldier in attack on army bunker". The Express Tribune. 7 July 2015. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
- ↑ http://www.geo.tv/latest/103332-Large-part-of-Shawal-cleared-as-operation-Zarb-e-Azb-enters-final-phase
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Drone strike in North Waziristan kills 20". The Express Tribune. 16 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
- ↑ "Unending campaign: Drone strike kills 11 suspected militants in North Waziristan". The Express Tribune. 19 July 2014. Archived from the original on 20 July 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
- ↑ "Drone strike kills 6 in North Waziristan". The ExpressTribune. 6 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
- ↑ "Drone strike in North Waziristan kills at least eight". Zahir Shah Sherazi. Dawn. 24 September 2014. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ↑ Zahir Shah Sherazi. "Drone strike kills five in South Waziristan". DAWN. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ "Drone strike kills eight, wounds six in North Waziristan". Zahir Shah Sherazi. Dawn. 6 October 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ "Second drone attack of the day kills three suspected militants in NWA". Zahir Shah Sherazi. Dawn. 7 October 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ "Drone strike kills four suspected militants in North Waziristan". Zahir Shah Sherazi. Dawn. 30 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ↑ "US drone strike kills four in North Waziristan". Zahir Shah Sherazi. DAWN. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
- ↑ "key-qaeda-commanders-sarbuland-retired-major-adil-reported-killed-in-drone-attack". Zahir Shah Sherazi. DAWN. 21 November 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
- ↑ "Al-Qaeda commander 'killed' in Pakistan". Aljazeera. 7 December 2014. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
- ↑ "7-suspected-militants-including-3-foreigners-killed-in-north-waziristan-drone-strikes". Zahir Shah Sherazi. Dawn. 26 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- ↑ "Hafiz Gul Bahadur group targeted in N Waziristan drone strike". Zahir Shah Sherazi. Dawn. 3 January 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
- ↑ "US drone strike kills seven in South Waziristan". Zahir Shah Shirazi. Dawn. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
- ↑ "US drone attack in North Waziristan kills six". Zahir Shah Shirazi. Dawn. 19 January 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
- ↑ "US drone strike kills six in North Waziristan". Zahir Shah Shirazi. Dawn. 28 January 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
- ↑ "Obama 2015 pakistan drone strikes". thebureauinvestigates.com. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
- ↑ "Drone strike in northwest Pakistan kills four suspected militants". Javed Hussain and Saud Mehsud. Reuters. 12 April 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
- ↑ Press Release. "Pakistan Condemns US Drone Strike in North Waziristan". mofa.gov.pk. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of Pakistan. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
- ↑ Walker, Lauren. "Report: Drone Strikes Kill Dozens in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen in May". newsweek.com. NEWSWEEK. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
- ↑ "US drone attack in NWA kills six". Dawn News. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
- ↑ "US drone strike kills four suspected militants in North Waziristan". The Express Tribune. 2 June 2015. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
- ↑ "At least nine killed in NWA drone strike". Pakistan Today. 6 June 2015. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
- ↑ "US kills Afghan Taliban fighters in drone strike in Pakistan". Long War Journal. 6 June 2015. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
- ↑ "2,763 terrorists killed in Operation Zarb-e-Azb". The Express Tribune. 14 June 2015. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
- ↑ "2,763 terrorists, 347 Pakistan army personnel killed in Zarb-e-Azb so far: ISPR". DND. 13 June 2015. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
- ↑ "A hard-fought year". The Express Tribune. 16 June 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- 1 2 3 "COAS visits forward most locations near Pak-Afghan border". The Nation. 3 July 2015. Archived from the original on 3 July 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
- ↑ "Zarb-i-Azb : Phenomenal success achieved , says ISPR". Dawn News. 12 December 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2015.
- ↑ "Pak to launch 'final phase' of Operation Zarb-i-Azb next month". Business Standard. 14 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- 1 2 3 "US, UAE provide $51m for N Waziristan IDPs". The Express Tribune. 6 July 2014. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ↑ "0.57m IDPs registered, Rs 329.5m distributed so far, Nawaz informed". Pakistan Tribune. 7 July 2014. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ↑ "PM has given clear instructions not to seek external assistance: FO". The Express Tribune. 10 July 2014. Archived from the original on 10 July 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
- ↑ Haider, Mateen (22 Jul 2014). "Zarb-i-Azb: US announce $9.3 million more in IDPs aid". Dawn. Retrieved 22 Jul 2014.
- ↑ "Seeking assistance: Zarb-e-Azb to cost $1.3b, Dar tells US legislator". The Express Tribune. 19 February 2015. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
- ↑ "Winding up the offensive: Army gives nod for return of IDPs to N Waziristan". The Express Tribune. 8 December 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "IDPs' return to North Waziristan begins". Dawn News. 1 April 2015. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Return of North Waziristan IDPs continues at snail's pace". Dawn News. 4 May 2015. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ↑ "Operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' gets a 'thumbs up' on social media – Pakistan". Dawn. Pakistan. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ "Groundswell of support: PTI endorses operation to flush out Waziristan militants". The Express Tribune. 17 June 2014. Archived from the original on 8 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- 1 2 "PTI endorses Zarb-e-Azb operation — Pakistan". Dawn (newspaper). 16 June 2014. Archived from the original on 8 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- ↑ "Siraj-ul-Haq urges govt to keep doors open for peace talks". Khyber News. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014.
- ↑ "Operation to cause colossal human tragedy, claims JI". The News. 17 June 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014.
- ↑ "Better late than never!". Staff report. Pakistan Today. 16 June 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
- ↑ "Massive political support for military operation". Asim Yasin, The News. 16 June 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
- ↑ "Tribal elders of North Waziristan assure support to Zarb-e-Azb: ISPR". Pakistan Today. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
- ↑ "Ulema declare operation Zarb-e-Azb as jihad". Pak Tribune. 23 June 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
- ↑ "Afghanistan assures Pakistan of full support in NWA operation". Daily Times Pakistan. 19 June 2014. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
- ↑ "UAE Extends Support to Pakistan against Militants | News Pakistan". Newspakistan.pk. 27 February 2012. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ↑ APP. "UAE announces $2.5m for IDPs in N Waziristan – The Express Tribune". Tribune.com.pk. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ↑ "Polio may spread in wake of North Waziristan operation: UN – Pakistan". Dawn. 24 June 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ↑ "US supports operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' against Taliban". The News International. 9 June 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ↑ "US pressure for operation in Waziristan mounts". The News International. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- ↑ "US not taken into confidence over North Waziristan operation". The News International. 9 June 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ↑ "Operation Zarb-i-Azb disrupted Haqqani network: US general". Dawn. 6 November 2014. Archived from the original on 7 November 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
- ↑ "China supports military operation". Dawn (newspaper). 10 July 2014. Archived from the original on 10 July 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
- ↑ "Chairman State Duma appreciates Pakistan's efforts for stability in region". Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- ↑ "Russia stands with Pakistan in fight against extremism, Army chief told". Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- ↑ "Deal with Russia for purchase of Mi-35 attack helicopters on the cards". Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- ↑ "Russia praises Operation Zarb-e-Azb". The News. 18 June 2015. Archived from the original on 18 June 2015. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
- ↑ "Suicide bombing? At least 55 killed, over 200 injured in Wagah border bomb blast". IndianExpress.com.
- 1 2 "Peshawar school attack: Over 100 killed in Pakistani Taliban attack, hundreds of students hostage". DNA India. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ↑ "Peshawar school hostage crisis updates". The Express Tribune. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ↑ Kearney, Seamus (16 December 2014). "Children targeted in Pakistan's deadliest militant attack in years; 132 students are killed". Euronews. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ↑ Popham, Peter (16 December 2014). "Peshawar school attack: 'I will never forget the black boots...It was like death approaching me'". The Independent. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ↑ "TTP militants storm Peshawar school; 131 killed, more than 100 injured". Pakistan Today. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ↑ "Six militants killed in Peshawar operation". Dunya News. 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
- ↑ "Rangers kill three 'terrorists' in Karachi shootout". Retrieved 20 December 2014.
- ↑ "TTP commander Abid Muchar, three militants killed in Karachi". Express Tribunes. 22 December 2014. Retrieved 22 December 2014.
- 1 2 Yusufzai, Ashfaq (26 December 2014). "Mastermind of Peshawar school attack killed". Telegraph, Pakistan Bureau, 2014. Telegraph, Pakistan Bureau. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
Pakistan says it has killed the alleged mastermind of a school attack in Peshawar that claimed the lives of 132 children
- ↑ Samaa TV (9 January 2015). "Al-Qaeda Karachi chief among 4 militants killed". Samaa TV. Samaa TV. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- 1 2 Haider, Nadeem (10 January 2015). "Wagah blast 'mastermind', two others killed in Lahore". Dawn News, 9 January. Dawn News. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
- Awards and decorations
- Cabinet Committee on National Security
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
- Chief of General Staff
- Commander-in-Chief
- Inter-Services Public Relations
- Inter-Services Selection Board
- Inter-Services Intelligence
- Joint Staff Headquarters
- Judge Advocate General Branch
- Military history
- Military Lands and Cantonments Department
- Ministry of Defence
- National Command Authority
- National Defence University
- National Security Council
- Army Museum
- Army ranks and insignia
- Chief of Army Staff
- Corps, commands and regiments
- I Corps
- II Corps
- IV Corps
- V Corps
- X Corps
- XI Corps
- XII Corps
- XXX Corps
- XXXI Corps
- Air Defence Corps
- Armoured Corps
- Army Strategic Forces Command
- Aviation Corps
- Azad Kashmir Regiment
- Baloch Regiment
- Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Corps of Engineers
- Corps of Military Police
- Corps of Signals
- Force Command Northern Areas
- Frontier Force Regiment
- Medical Corps
- Military Intelligence
- Northern Light Infantry Regiment
- Punjab Regiment
- Regiment of Artillery
- Sind Regiment
- Special Services Group
- Education and training
- Equipment
- General Headquarters
- Hospitals
- Serving generals
- Air Force Museum
- Air Force ranks and insignia
- Air Headquarters
- Aircraft
- Bases
- Chief of Air Staff
- Education and training
- Hospitals
- Squadrons and commands
- Bases
- Chief of Naval Staff
- Education and training
- Hospitals
- List of admirals
- Maritime Museum
- Naval Headquarters
- Naval ranks and insignia
- Squadrons and commands
- Vessels
- India-Pakistan War(s) of 1947-1948 / 1965 / 1971
- Bangladesh Liberation War
- 1967 Israeli-Arab war
- 1973 Israeli-Arab war
- Jordan-Palestine Liberation Organization conflict
- 1970s Baloch insurgency
- Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia seizure
- Soviet-Afghan war
- Siachen conflict
- 1991 Gulf War
- Kargil conflict
- War in North-West Pakistan
- Defence Housing Authority
- Defence industry of Pakistan
- Air Weapons Complex
- Defence Science and Technology Organisation
- Global Industrial Defence Solutions
- Heavy Industries Taxila
- Institute of Optronics
- Integrated Defence Systems
- Integrated Dynamics
- Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works
- Khan Research Laboratories
- Marine Systems Limited
- National Development Complex
- National Engineering and Scientific Commission
- Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
- Pakistan Ordnance Factories
- SATUMA
- Wah Metallurgical Laboratory
- Khyber Border Coordination Center
- Women in the Pakistan Armed Forces
-
Category
- Army
- Air Force
- Navy
-
Portal - Elections
- Foreign relations
- Feudalism
- Intelligence community
- Political parties
- Martial law
- Athletics
- Baseball
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Field hockey
- Football
- Gilli-danda
- Golf
- Kabaddi
- Motorsport
- Marathon (Lahore)
- Olympics
- Paralympics
- Polo
- Rugby
- Squash
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Category
- Portal
-
Commons
2014
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2015
January
February
April
May
June
July
2016
April
On the 3rd of April, the Pakistani government declared victory and the end of the operation after clearing 640 square kilometers in Shawal, killing some 250 terrorists.[178]
May
Pakistan clears last militant stronghold North Waziristan Agency
American drone strikes
Main article: List of drone attacks in Pakistan
Drone strikes, which were halted for six months at the request of the Pakistani government, resumed for the operation. The following drone strikes took place during the operation:[179]
In 2014
In 2015
Yearly Progress
 Zarb-i-Azb: In patriotic video, ISPR salutes soldiers as saviours | |
|
Farhan Saeed pays tribute to Pakistan Army in latest music video |
On 13 June 2015, the Pakistani military reported progress in the operation in the course of a year. DG ISPR Asim Saleem Bajwa reported that 2,763 militants had been killed so far, including 218 terrorist commanders in 9,000 intelligence based operations (IBOs). "Some 837 hideouts of terrorists have been destroyed and 253 tonnes of explosives recovered so far during the operation", he said. The Army also recovered 18,087 weapons, including heavy machine guns, light machine guns, sniper rifles, rocket launchers and AK-47s . Bajwa said that thousands of terrorists were also arrested, their strongholds cleared and their communication infrastructure destroyed. "347 officers and soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces have embraced martyrdom", he added.[203][204] The year 2015 was declared to be "a year of victory" and the operation itself a "manifestation of the resolve to root out terrorism in the country" by the Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.[205]
Final phase
| “ | It's a matter of great privilege and honor to be commanding such an accomplished and battle hardened Army, We will not stop unless we achieve our end objective of a terror free Pakistan. | ” |
| — Pakistan Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif[206] | ||
One and a half years after the start of Zarb-e-Azb, phenomenal successes were achieved, with the last pockets close to the Pakistan-Afghan border being cleared. Terrorist backbone broken and structure dismantled. Nexus with sleeper cells largely disrupted. Intelligence based Operations (IBOs) busted remaining sleeper cells. 3400 terrorists were killed, with 837 hideouts from where they were carrying out terrorist activities destroyed. During the last 18 months over 13,200 IBOs carried out across the country in which 183 hardcore terrorists killed, 21193 arrested. IBOs continue. Success came at a heavy price, 488 valiant officers and men of Pakistan Army,Frontier Corps KPK,Baluchistan, Rangers Sindh sacrificed their lives and 1914 injured in Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Total 11 military courts. 142 cases referred to military courts. 55 cases decided,87 cases in process. 31 hardcore terrorist convicted. Overall improvement in security/law and order owed to Operation Zarb-e-Azb.[207][208] In July, the Pakistan Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif visited the military's forward-most positions near the Afghan border in North Waziristan[206] He was briefed about the progress and future plans about the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and also met the Pakistani troops stationed there. Sharif also visited South Waziristan and Wana agencies. It was reported that the Pakistani military had just completed the preliminary prepatrations for final phase. In the area around Shawal, peaks were cleared.[206]
Management of displaced civilians
As a result of the operation, 929,859 displaced civilians (from 80,302 families) were registered by Pakistani authorities as of 14 July.[36] Financial support, relief goods and food packages were being distributed[209][210] and 59 donation points were established across Pakistan by the army.[111]
On 10 July, the Foreign Office of Pakistan said that the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons was an internal matter and reiterated that Pakistan had not requested international assistance. "We have very clear instructions from the prime minister [to not seek external assistance], Pakistan has neither made nor intends to make a request for international assistance. It has been made very clear that all expenditure related to temporarily displaced Pakistanis will be met from our own resources", Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said.[211] However, it was reported that the United States allocated $31 million for IDPs[209] and an additional $9.3 million for health, hygiene, water and sanitation for IDPs and livestock.[212] It was also reported that the United Arab Emirates government allocated $20.5 million in IDP humanitarian aid.[209] In February 2014, the Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar told a visiting US Senator Jack Reed that the cost of the operation so far had reached ₨40 billion (US$390 million) and could go as high as ₨130 billion (US$1.3 billion).[213]
Return of the IDPs
On 8 December 2014, the military approved the phased repatriation of the IDPs. The Pakistani army chief said the early return of the IDPs was his top priority. According to senior military officials, civilian authorities were directed to plan the return of the IDPs to their homes in areas which have been cleared of terrorists.[214] On 31 March 2015, the repatriation started. On the first day, 219 IDPs belonging to 62 families left Bannu for Spinwam and Shahmeri in North Waziristan. In the first phase till 24 April, about 1,200 families were to return to their homes in Sinwam, Shamiri, Mirali and Bubali areas of NWA. Each family was given ₨25000 (US$250) as cash assistance and ₨10000 (US$98) as transportation expenses at Mirzail. Food ration for six months and non-food items would also be given to each household. For effective disease control, children under five years of age were administered anti-polio vaccines and under 10 years of age were administered anti-measles vaccines.[215] As of 4 May 2015, only 230 displaced families had returned since the launch of the repatriation programme. "The civil administration can send entire displaced population back to their homes within a month if the area is de-notified as conflict zone," said an official dealing with IDPs repatriation. According to the official sources, the cut-off date for the return of IDPs was December 2016.[216]
Reaction
Domestic
Social media
The decision by the Pakistani military to launch a comprehensive operation was widely supported, with journalists, opinion-makers, politicians and other social-media users commending the operation.[217]
Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf
- PTI chairman Imran Khan endorsed the military operation in North Waziristan as it became clear that the Taliban were not seriously negotiating.[218] A week before, reiterating his party's stance on peace talks with militants, Imran 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 desired peace talks with the government.[219] The PTI position changed as it became clear that negotiations were fruitless.[219]
Jamat-e-Islami
- Jamat-e-Islami (JI), one of Pakistan's leading religious parties, continued to oppose any operation in North Waziristan. JI leader Siraj-ul-Haq urged the government to keep the option of negotiations with the Taliban.[220] He warned that a military operation in North Waziristan would trigger a massive human tragedy, saying that it was the duty of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to consider the views of the nation and its leadership (inside and outside Parliament) before making a crucial decision affecting national security.[221]
Muttahida Qaumi Movement
- According to Muttahida Qaumi Movement senator Babar Khan Ghauri, "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."[61] MQM head Altaf Hussain said, "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.[222][223]
Awami National Party
- Awami National Party (ANP) member Zahid Khan said, "We also held a dialogue previously (during our government) 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 [the] dialogue approach would not work. Government should have taken the parliament into confidence before launching the operation but it didn't."[61]
Local tribesmen
North Waziristan tribal elders assured their support for Operation Zarb-e-Azb, according to a statement released by ISPR director-general Major General Asim Bajwa. "Many tribal elders from around Miranshah, Mir Ali, Datta Khel assure support to army operation," Bajwa tweeted. "The tribesmen have assured the army that they would not let the militant to return to the area."[224]
Sunni Ulema Board
On 22 June 2014, more than 100 Islamic scholars issued a joint fatwa in support of the operation, calling it a jihad: "Crushing of the attempts to disrupt peaceful atmosphere in a Muslim state is jihad".[225]
International
TTP retaliation
Lahore
Main article: 2014 Wagah border suicide attack
On 2 November 2014, a suicide bombing following the daily parade took place at Wagah border in Pakistan, more than 55 killed and over 200 injured.[239] The attack was claimed by militant groups jamaat-ul-Ahrar and jundallah, sub-groups of TTP.
Peshawar
Main article: 2014 Peshawar school attack
On 16 December 2014, seven gunmen belonging to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)[240] entered an Army Public School in Pakistani city of Peshawar and opened fire on school staff and children, killing 145 people consisting majority of students.[240][241][242][243] The spokesperson of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Mohammad Omar Khorasani, took the responsibility for the attack and said it was revenge for Operation Zarb-e-Azb.[244]
State's Counter-retaliation
Main article: Targeted killings of TTP terrorists by Pakistan Armed Forces and police encounters in Pakistan
Responding to TTP's retaliatory attacks, Pakistan has mounted deadliest counter-retaliation on TTP; first removing the moratorium on executions of terrorists by the Presidential Order, and secondly establishing military courts commissions (roughly based on Gitmo). Pakistani authorities have issued "hang till death" orders to jail superintendents at the nationwide prisons. In weeks, a number of high-value detainees convicted on a terrorism charges were hanged.
Since December 2014, Pakistan's intelligence community, law enforcement agencies, antiterrorism forces, and inter-provincial police have been engaged in deadly police encounters in all over the country. News media have been televising the live actions on tracking down the militants and targeting the TTP operatives in series of police encounters. In the afternoon of 20 December, the KP Police and the special agents of the FIA raided a safe house in Shabqadar, a town located in 30 km (19 mi) north of Peshawar. In an exchange of fire at the safe house, the KPK police and the other law enforcement agencies gunned down the six TTP fighters, including their commander and two other high-value targets who assisted in the attack.[245] At the night of 20 December, the team of Pakistan Rangers personnel raided a safe house in Manghopir area of Karachi and killed five members of the TTP in a deadly shoot out.[246]
On 22 December 2014, Karachi Police and the CID teams chased down and killed the TTP leader, Abid Muchar,[247] along with his three associates in a police encounter. The same night, another action in took place in Karachi when the CID teams, in a high-speed chase in Hawke's Bay Beach, chased and apprehended five members of al-Qaeda's South Asian chapter who are suspected of planning an attack on a naval dockyard in Karachi in September.
Acting on a MI information, the navy's SSGN teams were inserted in secret hideout in Khyber Agency and stalked the six terrorists led by Saddam Jan— the mastermind of the Army Public School attack— at the midnight of 26 December 2014.[248] In a late night operations, the SSGN combat teams reportedly hunted and killed Jan along with his six militants, while trying to seek sanctuary. An unnamed senior Pakistan government official confirmed the report.[248]
On 9 January 2015, the CID teams gunned down the four al-Qaeda operatives after another high speed chase took place in Qayyumabad in Karachi.[249] In another separate midnight action in Lahore, the teams of FIA's special agents, assisted by the Punjab Police, raided a house located in Burki Road.[250] Lasting almost two-hour gun battle, the FIA teams hunted and gunned down Roohullah (alias: Asadullah)—the mastermind of the Wagah border attack along with three of his associates. Since the attack, the FIA had been on a hunt for Roohullah and was finally killed in a police encounter in Lahore.[250]
References
Notes
Citations
| Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee | |
|---|---|
Army  | |
Air Force  | |
Navy  | |
| Paramilitary forces | |
| Wars and conflicts | |
| Related | |
 Pakistan topics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General topics |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Related topics | ||
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/2/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.