Operation Clearance: Security forces dismantle 25 hideouts, two bomb factories

The operation was launched on October 23, over 1,700 suspects have been screened and 110 have been interrogated.

PESHAWAR:

Security forces demolished 25 militant hideouts and sealed two bomb-making factories in a military operation in Khyber Agency.

While briefing journalists, a security spokesperson said that 20 militants have been killed and nine were injured in 15 days. ‘Operation Clearance’ was launched in Bara on October 23 and the region has been divided into six zones according to tribes, which include Aka Khel, Shalobar, Sipah, Shalobar Kalanga and Bar Qambar Khel.

The purpose of the operation is to dismantle militant hideouts and restore peace in the areas. “We were successful in achieving our goal to a great extent and an important example of that was a peaceful Eidul Azha in the agency,” he said.

Security problems persist because of Bara’s population. Out of the 200,000 living there, only 45,000 are registered residents, the official said.

He said that 1,741 suspects have been screened, out of which 110 are being interrogated. Tribal elders have also been taken into confidence and are told to expel any foreign clerics in the area. A list with names of foreign clerics has been given to them. Security forces also discovered and destroyed private jail and torture cells, including Takia, Haleem Shah, Haji Namdar hujra and Musafar centres, during the operation.

Muhammad Shahzad, a kidnapped detainee, was also recovered from Peshawar Saddar 45 days ago.

“Some of my friends called me to Hayatabad and later intoxicated me. They kept me in a basement for five days and then shifted me to Qambar Khel,” Shahzad said.

A list of 200 people that were kidnapped for ransom was also recovered. Details showed that the militants were paid to secure their release. Jihadist literature, arms, 12 motorbikes and drugs, including opium and hashish, were also recovered during search operations.

Security forces recovered items used for making bombs, including ball bearings used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide jackets, chains, and large quantities of potassium from various areas.

Three captors and 16 wanted militants have also been arrested in separate incidents.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2012.