Battle for Tirah: Army chief visits Khyber Agency

Army chief lauds troops, says IDPs must be rehabilitated as soon as possible.

KHYBER AGENCY: As the fight for Tirah valley in Khyber agency continues, the Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited the agency to take stock of operations against terrorists.

The army has been locked in a stiff battle in the mountainous border region with militants who made swift initial gains, that forced thousands of families to flee from the area and prompt a an offensive by the army, backed by the air force.

On Thursday, Kayani visited the area accompanied by Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani. This is the first time the army chief visited the area since militants launched a fresh offensive in the district in April.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations release, he lauded troops for their swift and successful completion of operations and eviction of terrorists, local and foreign. He specially appreciated their resolve, commitment and sacrifices made during these operations.

The army chief said that despite difficulties, all possible care must be taken to ensure that the people of the area do not suffer needlessly and IDPs are rehabilitated as early as possible.

The military have made gains, especially in the last month, clearing the Mohamdi Top in Kurram and Haider Kandao in Tirah valley as recently as June 8, almost eight days after the troops reported they had managed to gain a foothold on the top. They also established control over the heights in central Derastani ridge that overlooks the entire Maidan and Kuki Khel valleys.

But the successes have not been without losses. On June 12, the ISPR reported that Lt Colonel Sajid was killed after an improvised explosive device went off as his unit was clearing a village. Per released figures, the army has lost at least five soldiers, including two officers in the past 20 days.

To maintain peace in the area, the army also set up village defence committees to protect villages against militant counter attacks.

Road inaugurated in Waziristan

The army chief also inaugurated a 50 km road in South Waziristan that connects the agency with Afghanistan.

The army chief said that the road will help the locals in their trade.

"Once the people start receiving benefits from this road, then army and FWO will not have to provide security, the people will secure it themselves."