Coordinated operation by Isaf, Pak forces soon

KABUL: The US-led security forces in collaboration with Pakistan’s security forces will soon launch an anti-terrorist operation in their respective areas of operation, said Brigade Commander, International Security Assistance Forces (Isaf) in Afghanistan Col Loung.

Talking to a group of journalists visiting from Pakistan at the newly-developed Tillman Coordination Centre – meant to enhance cooperation between Isaf, the Afghan National Force and Pakistan security forces – at the border town of Lawara, Paktika province, Col Loung said that the sanctuaries and safe havens of terrorists present in the hilly terrain at the border have been spotted for the launching of an operation.

The Isaf Brigade Commander said that the opening of the coordination centre itself speaks of the high priority that Isaf attaches to the effort to enhance trilateral cooperation among the Afghan National Force, Isaf and Pakistan security forces.

He said that the new coordination centre would be manned by representatives of the three forces with an aim to conduct operations with mutual consultation and coordination within their respective jurisdictions.

Answering a question about the possibility of the presence of al Qaeda’s leadership or any other high-value targets in the bordering areas, he said that the border area is a safe haven as there existed a number of sanctuaries; thus, any such possibility cannot be ruled out. However, he added that they have killed 500 terrorists and captured 200 others, including a few high-value targets in the recent past. Some foreign elements were also among those killed and captured, he added.

The Zardan tribe, which is present on either side of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, has a soft corner for militants, and, at the same time, the Haqqani group is also active in the area influencing the local populace.

Col Loung was appreciative of the role played by Pakistan’s security forces in the recent operation in Waziristan. He said those who survived the operation have somehow managed to escape into Afghanistan. He said that Isaf really appreciates the efforts of Pakistan in conducting such a successful operation and paid rich tributes to the sacrifices rendered in the effort. “It was an effective operation,” he said.

Answering another question, he said that sometimes the Taliban’s efforts to create a rift between Pakistan and Afghanistan prove to be fruitful, but, he added, they continue their close cooperation while maintaining a level of trust.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 7^th, 2010.