巴基斯坦对北瓦济里斯坦发动空袭
At the directions of the government, the Armed forces of Pakistan have launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists, hiding in sanctuaries in North Waziristan. The offensive comes a week after a deadly attack on Pakistan’s biggest and busiest airport in Karachi.
Lying in the northwest of Pakistan, Waziristan tribal district is notorious for breeding terrorism, where local Taliban and foreign elements including Al-Qaeda find sanctuary, and have a stronghold.
According to the army, Pakistani military jets pounded militant hideouts in the tribal region bordering Afghanistan, killing over a hundred and fifty militants.
While six soldiers lost their lives due to IED explosion between the Pak-Afghan border.
The military says Pakistan government gave a go ahead to launch the operation, codenamed Zarb-e-Azb.
The government says operation will continue till the enemy surrenders or is completely eliminated.
"Perhaps realizing the enormity and the gravity of the situation that is why the government was till now a bit reluctant to choose the military option because the alternatives were pretty horrendous so Pakistan is in it for the long haul simply because there is no other option." Defense analyst Shahzad Chaudhry said.
Using North Waziristan as a base, terrorists had waged a war against the state of Pakistan disrupting economic growth and causing enormous loss of life and property. The army says these enemies of the state will be denied space anywhere across the country even if it means sacrificing their lives. Afghan security forces have also been requested to seal the border on their side to facilitate elimination of terrorists who attempt to escape across the border.
Experts say repercussion is inevitable and the country should be prepared.
Following threat of retaliation Islamabad has been put on high alert. I’m present at the red zone, where all important government institutions are located and as you can see, the entry points are being thoroughly checked by law enforcement agencies.
Imran khan, leader of third biggest political party, Tehrik-e-Insaf had warned the government against launching a major military offensive against the militants, saying it would prove suicidal.
"This threat should be expected Pakistan will have to be strong enough to face up to it, and the leadership and the administrations and the law enforcement agencies and the police will have to be strong enough to face up to that and fight them wherever there is possible for them to fight.” Chaudhry said.
Following air strikes, the Taliban have stated that they are still open for dialogue, but experts argue the time for talks is over, as the Taliban did not honor their commitments in the past and continued their attacks.
