Jets pound several militants’ hideouts in Miranshah
July 05, 2014
According to the sources, several militants’ compounds were destroyed in the recent bombings in the surrounding areas of Miranshah while casualties are also feared.
Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said a huge cache of improvised explosive devices was recovered from four houses in Miranshah.
Unfortunately, a soldier was martyred in a blast caused by an IED in Miranshah, ISPR added.
Earlier, a military official told BBC that 40 percent area had been cleared in Miranshah. However, he did not give any deadline for the completion of the ground operation in the area. The army is facing some firing incidents, rocket attacks and explosives, but so far it has not faced any major resistance during the operation.
Military analysts are of the view that mild resistance means terrorists are still present in the area. A military official said on condition of anonymity that 20 soldiers had been killed in the operation so far, which means terrorists are present there.
The ISPR says the operation has been going on according to the plan. It says all the tribesmen have left the area and if anyone is left behind, he is endangering his life. There were reports that the people of Eidak, situated near Miranshah, had refused to vacate their area. However, military officials said the Eidak tribesmen had offered to fight side by side with the army. The residents of Eidak had already expelled four Uzbeks residing in the area before the start of the operation.
Analysts are also giving importance to the silence of the TTP after the launch of the operation. The TTP’s communication channels have been perhaps dismantled in the NWA, but its people are also reluctant to contact the media in other areas where there is no operation.
Analysts feel that difficulties will increase as the operation progresses. Military officials hope that the country’s people, especially politicians, will back the army in the operation as it was conducted on their demand.
