Talking to journalists at Sadda, the headquarters of Lower Kurram Agency, operation in-charge Colonel Waseem said the area was previously in control of foreign militants who were responsible for bombing education institutions and hospitals.
The military operation Koh-i-Sufaid-II that was carried out against militants in the area had begun in October 27 last year.
The area was known as a ‘safe haven’ for militants due to its strategic location bordering Afghanistan. In the first phase of the operation, residents were evacuated after which forces moved into the agency. “Security forces initially faced tough resistance from militants,” he said.
The official added during the second phase security forces opened the Thal-Parachinar Road for commuters and in the final phase the area was taken into control after several combats. “Security personnel have to fight with militants even in temperatures below – 10 degrees,” he said, adding that 90 security personnel had suffered from frost bite.
Colonel Waseem further added that 75 security personnel were killed in the operation, while 220 were injured. He added that around 700 militants were gunned down in the clashes.
Speaking to journalists, Political Agent Yousaf Rahim said that around 1,200 families had returned to their native areas adding that the writ of the government has been established in most parts of the agency.
The political agent added that a village defence system will be established in Kurram now and development projects will soon be launched.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 19th, 2012.
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