Seventy per cent of Mohmand Agency has been cleared of militants in the two phases of the military operation in the area, operation in-charge Lt-Col Gul Hassan told a jirga on Friday.
“Dawezai and Safi districts were cleared during the first phase, while Alingar and Soran valleys were cleared during the second phase of the operation,” Hassan said, assuring that the remaining areas will be cleared in the next few weeks.
He was speaking to members of the Safi tribe, one of the tribes from the agency that have pledged support to the army.
“The operation was carried out in four parts. First, we cleared areas of militants and then brought the displaced people back to the agency. In the third phase, we will establish peace committees and while in the fourth, confidence-building measures will be taken,” Hassan explained.
Later, speaking to The Express Tribune, Hassan said that over 200 people had surrendered to the security forces with cooperation from the political administration. “Heavy weapons were recovered from their possession and 91 of those who had surrendered were released after thorough investigation.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2011.
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