• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Tribal operation to continue: Pak minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, June 11, IRNA -- Security forces in Pakistan launched a 
major operation in the tribal region on Friday to eliminate 
"terrorists and extremists," Interior Minister Makhdoom Faisal Saleh 
Hayat told the National Assembly. 
He said that the operation will continue until its logical end. 
Giving a policy statement in the National Assembly on the law and 
order situation in the country, particularly in Karachi and South 
Waziristan, the minister condemned the "deplorable" attacks in Wana 
and Karachi, and assured the house that no effort would be spared to 
bring the culprits to justice and hold them liable for exemplary 
punishment. 
Pakistani troops backed by artillery and helicopters Friday 
launched an assault on bases of foreign militants and their 
supporters in South Waziristan, killing several militants. 
In a statement, the army said it was targeting "known and 
confirmed hide-outs of miscreants." 
"The terrorists hiding in Wana want to destabilize peace and 
order by spreading lawlessness and terrorism in various parts of the 
country," Hayat said. 
He said the elements, who are sitting in the tribal areas, are 
also planning to target Lahore, Peshawar, Islamabad and other cities 
in order to create panic and destabilize peace and order. "But they 
will not succeed in their nefarious designs." 
Local journalists and tribesmen said Pakistani air force jets and 
helicopters were seen assisting the ground forces in the operation 
near the town of Wana. 
The clashes are the first in the area since a major offensive to 
sweep Al-Qaeda suspects in March that left more than 120 people 
dead. 
The Pakistanai official appealed to all political elements to 
extend their full cooperation to the government to tackle the law and 
order situation and sett aside their political differences. 
"It is not only the duty of the government to maintain law and 
order but also the responsibility of the legislators to support the 
government in its efforts." 
Hayat called for the forging of unity among political forces to 
make the country a peaceful place. 
"We should all be loyal to our country for its progress and 
prosperity," he urged. 
TK/TSH/2321/1432