A Pakistani army soldier stands guard during a patrol in Pakka village in Kurram Tribal Agency December 18, 2012. PHOTO: REUTERS
Fighting between government soldiers and militants in the valley, which has strategically important routes into Afghanistan, has been underway for several months, but intensified recently with militants seizing control of key areas.
As general elections approach, security officials are now concerned that the routes that lead to Peshawar are also under the control of militants.
Around 40,000 residents of Tirah Valley have fled their homes after fighting in the last few weeks.
The humanitarian community is setting up operations to register the 40,000 IDPs and providing assistance at the New Durrani, Jalozai and Togh Sarai IDP camps
The conflict is a complicated one, involving at least three militant groups that also have internal divisions - the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Lashkar-e-Islam and the Ansarul Islam.
The LI and the AI have been battling each other for over seven years in the Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency, with turf wars being waged based on sectarian grounds.
The area became a stronghold of the TTP after operations were launched in the nearby Orakzai and Kurram tribal agencies.
The LI then sought an alliance with the TTP and the AI, previously a banned outfit, which was later considered a tribal militia that was protecting boundaries of the valley from “foreign influence”.
In June last year, the TTP took over the majority area held by the Kukikhel tribe, while reports of the presence of the Taliban from as far as the Mohmand Agency also surfaced. Hundreds of people were reportedly killed; however, because of the area being isolated, little information made it to the mainstream media, till almost 90 per cent of the valley went into the TTP’s hands.
COMMENTS (15)
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@tariq khan:
Tirah is a trap which lures warriors and soldiers to death. The mountains need human blood for survival and have always received its share over the centuries. Read history and read it well. Those who will be succssful in these mountains will rule the land beyond Islamabad. The battles for the massive lethal equipment has just started: You name has all the right credentials to join in and win yourself a place in heavens.
Rex Minor
@A J Khan,,,,,please do not feel bad for the of army soldiers as they are doing a job they are paid for. How about those brain washed jobless madrassa youth who fight & are killed for free(promised only paradise)? Remember that is our first line of defence costing us nothing.
I would love to have some of the stuff these Centcom guys have.
Pakistanis are yet to realise that their army has last more soldiers to the fanatics inside Pakistan than to any outside enemy. Infact the so called outside enemy safely returned ninety thousand PoWs in 1971.
this means american released some aid and weapons to the ISI....
I am happy that 14 terrotist were wiped off. But also I am saddened by the Martyre of 4 soldiers. Our Army needs more hard training to tackle these savags!!
lets hope military executes military ops to cleanse tirah of these animals once and for all
We sincerely commend Pakistan’s stance against terrorism. These terrorist organizations have been fully focused on destabilizing the nation of Pakistan with their acts of terror. We praise the bravery and courage shown by the Pakistani security forces. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost due to the acts of terror inside Pakistan! But it is our shared will and desire to defeat terrorism that gives us the courage to continue our war against these terrorist organizations. We hope to continue our partnership for the sake of negating the threat posed by these terrorist organizations. We’re committed to restoring peace in the region, and hope to remain unified against our common enemies. We restate what Richard G. Olson, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, said recently: “The United States recognizes the enormous sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan, especially your security forces. We will continue in our joint efforts to counter extremism, combat terrorism, and protect both our peoples from the scourge of senseless violence.”
Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to the families of these brave soldiers who died for their country.
Ali Khan
"AI, previously a banned outfit, which was later considered a tribal militia that was protecting boundaries of the valley from “foreign influence”."
Until we stop using these proxies for strategic depth and defending our borders, we shall never have peace in the region. I don't understand why Pak Army is always so insistent in using these religio-tribal groups and cannot just simply hire new foot-soldiers to patrol the border.
@Stranger: India and Pakistani indeed has much in common but Pakistan and Afghanistan are one. The irony is that we've always been brave at home shedding our own blood all our lives.
In the long run its good if Pak becomes more close to India than with Afghanistan or Iran. Ind and Pak have much more in common than Pak + Iran or Pak + some other country.
Wow! Tirah Valley finally makes the news!
kill them bravo pak army
Leaders like Molana should be convicted for our Security Forces killings. Believe me, then terrorism will vanish in no time. Such leaders are supporting terrorism.