PAKISTAN

ISLAMABAD: Security forces after intense fighting Saturday took complete control of important stronghold of TTP – the town of Kotkai, the native place of terrorists leader Hakim Ullah Mehsud and Qari Hussain during the operation Rah-e-Nijat.

At a press conference along with Federal Minister for Qamar Zaman Kaira, Director General ISPR Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said the terrorist group has started to unravel due to a rift among them.

He said 21 terrorists have been killed during security forces operation in SWA in last 24 hours. Three security forces embraced Shahadat and 8 others injured.

DG ISPR said security forces took complete control of Kotkai town. The place was stronghold of terrorists with majority of houses converted into strong bunkers. The town also has a training camp of Qari Hussain for suicide bombers. Security forces are in the process of clearing the built up area from IEDs, mines and booby traps.

He further said that security forces also took complete control of Shishwam and are in the process of securing surrounding heights.

During exchange of fire 12 terrorists were killed while 3 soldiers embraced Shahadat and 8 have been injured.

He said local sources also confirmed that during initial stages (17/18) October in Spinkai / Kund Sector, 80-90 terrorists were killed including Uzbeks and other foreign terrorists and 150 terrorists were injured.

After securing Chalwastai, security forces are in the process of securing important height of Tarkona Narai. This feature has number of terraces with fortified positions and is dominating important Y Junction on road leading to Kaniguram and Sar Wakai.
Stiff resistance is being put up by terrorists while 6 terrorists have been killed in exchange of fire, Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said.

During search and clearance operation at Khaisura village, security forces recovered a number of rifles and 1 x 14.5 mm gun from a compound.

On main Axis route 1 ammunition laden vehicle has been destroyed alongwith with 3 terrorists killed.

He said reliable sources reported that due to the pressure of on going operation there has been large scale desertions amongst the rank and file of terrorists groups. It has been also reported that the terrorists are shaving and trimming their beards to escape from the area.

Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said the security forces have dismantled the terrorists network in Kotkai and sealed all the exit points of the area for vehicles. There are only a couple exit routes for pedestrians, but the terrorists cannot flee from there, he said.

He told the reporters that registration of 20,872 IDPs is in progress. The Prime Minister has provided Rs2.5 billions to FATA secretariat for the relief and support of IDPs.