Preempting terrorist threat: Intelligence agencies directed to integrate work

Army chief passes direction at the corps commanders’ meeting in Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD: Army chief General Raheel Sharif on Friday directed intelligence agencies to undertake ‘integrated efforts’ to preempt any terrorist threat emanating from the ongoing military operations in the tribal areas.

The direction was given during the corps commanders’ meeting held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the top military commanders were given a detailed briefing about the progress achieved so far in the ongoing operations in the North Waziristan and Khyber agencies. They also discussed the next phase of the operation after clearing the major areas of terrorists in the troubled agencies.

The military’s media wing said the ongoing intelligence-based operations, which led to the apprehension of a large number of terrorists hiding across the country, were reviewed.

The army chief expressed ‘complete satisfaction’ on the progress of Operations Zarb-e-Azb and Khyber-I and lauded the achievements made so far. Appreciating the effort, he ordered the continuous evaluation of threat so that the military is able to respond pre-emptively and effectively. Gen Raheel also called for the effective integration of the efforts of all intelligence agencies to achieve optimum results against terrorists.

A key al Qaeda commander and his two associates were killed by the security forces in a recent intelligence driven operation in South Waziristan. The killing of Adnan el Shukrijuma was seen as a major blow to al Qaeda.

Friday’s corps commanders meeting also discussed the strategy for the return of temporary displaced persons (TDPs) and the rehabilitation of North Waziristan and other tribal areas.

The army chief underlined the need for preparation and integration of efforts with federal and provincial governments for the safe and dignified return of all TDPs to their homes at priority.

It is estimated that close to 2 million people have been compelled to leave their homes both in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency due to the military offensive against militants.

The meeting also undertook a comprehensive review of internal and external security situation of the country.   “The forum was briefed on the improving Pak Afghan bilateral relationship,” the ISPR statement said.

The army chief emphasised early operationalisation of all mutually discussed and agreed security-related initiatives with Afghanistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2014.