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FATA
Statement:2008
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Date
Incidents
January - 3 
According to The Post, hundreds of Pakistani families have poured across the border into Afghanistan in recent days as clashes between different clans continued on the 13th day in the Kurram Agency of the FATA. Six people are reported to have died and 11 inured in the fresh clashes. Afghan officials
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According to The Post, hundreds of Pakistani families have poured across the border into Afghanistan in recent days as clashes between different clans continued on the 13th day in the Kurram Agency of the FATA. Six people are reported to have died and 11 inured in the fresh clashes. Afghan officials said about 900 families (most of them Sunnis) have fled across the border in the past two weeks to the Khost and Paktia provinces. While the Khost Governor Arsallah Jamal stated that about 400 to 500 Pakistani families had fled to the province, Abdul Rahman Mangal, the deputy governor in neighbouring Paktia province, said about 480 families had come to the border districts there, including about 20 to 30 Afghan families who were living in Pakistan.
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January - 11 
The army has withdrawn soldiers from key check posts in North Waziristan and a tribal jirga (council) is negotiating a peace deal between pro-Taliban militants and the government, official sources and military spokesman said on January 11, reports Daily Times.
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The army has withdrawn soldiers from key check posts in North Waziristan and a tribal jirga (council) is negotiating a peace deal between pro-Taliban militants and the government, official sources and military spokesman said on January 11, reports Daily Times.
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January - 21 
In a related development, a spokesman for militants in North Waziristan, Ahmadullah Ahmadi, asked the military authorities not to use bases in their area against militants in South Waziristan. “Taliban will withdraw from peace talks if security forces use our soil against us,” Ahmadi said. Militants
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In a related development, a spokesman for militants in North Waziristan, Ahmadullah Ahmadi, asked the military authorities not to use bases in their area against militants in South Waziristan. “Taliban will withdraw from peace talks if security forces use our soil against us,” Ahmadi said. Militants in North Waziristan had on January 21 extended a cease-fire till January 27.
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January - 23 
As clashes intensified, militants’ spokesman Maulvi Umar told Dawn that the conflict could expand to other areas of Waziristan if the government did not halt the operation.
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As clashes intensified, militants’ spokesman Maulvi Umar told Dawn that the conflict could expand to other areas of Waziristan if the government did not halt the operation.
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January - 24 
Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said 10 soldiers were killed in two days of fighting as the security forces (SFs) stormed militant positions in several towns, including Spinkai Raghzai in Srarogha near Jandola, Mohammad Nawaz Kot in Tiarza and Makeen. He said the SFs destroyed the maxim
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Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said 10 soldiers were killed in two days of fighting as the security forces (SFs) stormed militant positions in several towns, including Spinkai Raghzai in Srarogha near Jandola, Mohammad Nawaz Kot in Tiarza and Makeen. He said the SFs destroyed the maximum number of militant hideouts in these areas and cleared the towns from the miscreants. Abbas added that 40 militants were killed during the fighting while many others sustained injuries. He also said the troops arrested 30 militants who were trying to escape during the clashes. He said eight soldiers died in Spinkai Raghzai and two others in Mohammad Nawaz Kot. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed to have captured five soldiers and taken into custody five trucks loaded with heavy arms and ammunition, supposed to be delivered to the SFs fighting against the militants in South Waziristan. The troops backed by tanks and gunship helicopters moved from Jandola and Chagmalai towards Mandana on early January 24. Sources said that fighter aircraft targeted the suspected militants’ positions in Kotki village, 15 kilometers from Jandola town.
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January - 31 
Senior al Qaeda commander Abu Laith Al-Libi has been killed in Pakistan, CNN quoted "a knowledgeable Western official and an unnamed military official" as saying, according to Daily Times. The 41-year-old Libyan was active in operational planning and training, and according to the US official, "not
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Senior al Qaeda commander Abu Laith Al-Libi has been killed in Pakistan, CNN quoted "a knowledgeable Western official and an unnamed military official" as saying, according to Daily Times. The 41-year-old Libyan was active in operational planning and training, and according to the US official, "not far below the importance of the top two al Qaeda leaders" – Osama bin Laden and Ayman Al-Zawahiri. He was placed on the US military’s most wanted list in 2006, behind Laden, Zawahiri and Taliban leader Mullah Omar. AP news agency said a Website used by militant groups carried a statement in the name of Al-Fajr, al Qaeda’s media wing, saying "he was martyred with a group of his brothers in the land of Muslim Pakistan." The statement was referring to a missile strike at Khushali Torikhel in North Waziristan on January 28. 10 militants, two women and three minors had died in the missile strike. However, a US military official with the Combined Joint Task Force-82, the anti-terror unit responsible for searching Libi in Afghanistan, told CNN he had no information on Al-Libi’s death, but added that CJTF-82 did not collect information from outside of Afghanistan and would be informed of targeted operations only "if the Pakistani military share that with us". AP said Pakistan’s Interior Ministry officials did not confirm Al-Libi’s death and were "still trying to gather details on the missile strike." Pakistani Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier Javed Cheema told AFP that "We have no information of his killing."
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February - 6 
Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar on February 6 declared a unilateral cease-fire from South Waziristan to Swat, saying no security forces would be targeted. "We will not attack any security person, be it in Waziristan or in Swat (district)," he told Daily Times from an undisclosed location. Maulvi Umar
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Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar on February 6 declared a unilateral cease-fire from South Waziristan to Swat, saying no security forces would be targeted. "We will not attack any security person, be it in Waziristan or in Swat (district)," he told Daily Times from an undisclosed location. Maulvi Umar denied the cease-fire was the result of "secret negotiations", claiming the Taliban were responding to a reduction in the military’s attacks on them. "We will not attack the security forces till [our] next announcement," he said, adding, "We see a marked decrease in intensity of attacks on us." Tribal sources said a Taliban shura (council) had decided on the cease-fire after the government had "agreed to meet certain points." However, the military said that operations against militants would continue. "This (Taliban ceasefire) is [a] one-sided (announcement). We received no formal communiqué," military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said.
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February - 18 
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly followed closely by the Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) in the elections held on February 18, according to The Hindu. The PPP led with 87 seats out of 272, followed by 66 for the PML-N, and
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The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly followed closely by the Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) in the elections held on February 18, according to The Hindu. The PPP led with 87 seats out of 272, followed by 66 for the PML-N, and 38 for the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q). Among the smaller parties, (ANP) the Muttahida Qaumi Movement won 19 seats and the Pakhtun nationalist Awami National Party got 10 seats. The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, a religious coalition which won 59 seats in 2002, was able to win only three this time. Other political parties - the PPP-Sherpao, the Balochistan National Party, the National People’s Party and the PML-F - got one, one, two, and four seats, respectively, according to Daily Times. Independent candidates won 27 seats. In the Punjab province, the PML-N won 101 seats out of 280, while the PPP and independent candidates got 78 and 35 seats, respectively. The PML-Q got 66 seats. In Sindh, the PPP won 65 seats out of 125, while the MQM and the PML-Q got 38 and nine seats, respectively. The PML-N failed to win a single seat while one independent candidate was successful. In Balochistan, the PML-Q won 17 seats out of 44, while the PPP won seven seats. Independent candidates won ten seats. In the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the ANP won 31 seats out of 85, while the PML-Q and the PML-N have won six and five seats, respectively. The PPP won 17 seats in the NWFP. In the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), six constituencies out of a total of 12 have been officially announced. Elections in two of the constituencies were postponed. As all the candidates in the region contested the elections as independent candidates, no political parties won any inroads in the region. At a press conference following a central executive committee meeting of the PPP, co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari staked the party’s claim to form the government at the Centre with the help of allies. The party is reportedly in a position to form the Sindh provincial government by itself. "We intend to make government in all four provinces and at the Centre, so we will act as the government-in-waiting with our allies… Our endeavour and our policy is to form a national consensus government that will take along all political forces," Zardari said.
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February - 26 February - 27
Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan said on February 27 that a tribal militant commander and mastermind of two suicide attacks on the former interior minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao and killer of a serving Intelligence Bureau (IB) official was killed in an encounter with security forces on February
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Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan said on February 27 that a tribal militant commander and mastermind of two suicide attacks on the former interior minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao and killer of a serving Intelligence Bureau (IB) official was killed in an encounter with security forces on February 26, according to Daily Times. "Abdul Siar, head of Siar group in the Tribal Areas, was killed on Tuesday in an encounter between security agencies and his men between Charsada and Mohmand Agency," Hamid told reporters after attending a National Public Safety Commission meeting. Nawaz said almost 116 innocent people had died in various terrorist attacks by Siar and his men in various parts of the country. He said security forces had also arrested two of Siar’s men during the encounter.
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February - 28 
At least 10 suspected militants were killed in a missile strike on a house in South Waziristan early on February 28, according to Daily Times. The dead were believed to be of Pakistani and foreign origins, residents and officials said. The attack occurred at approximately 2AM in Kaloosha village, 10
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At least 10 suspected militants were killed in a missile strike on a house in South Waziristan early on February 28, according to Daily Times. The dead were believed to be of Pakistani and foreign origins, residents and officials said. The attack occurred at approximately 2AM in Kaloosha village, 10 kilometres west of Wana, headquarters of South Waziristan. "Nine militants were killed instantly while a wounded Punjabi militant passed away hours later in a local hospital," the residents said. Security officials also put the toll at 10. However, local news agencies reported that 13 people were killed in the attack and several others injured. It is the second such attack in the area after militant commander Nek Muhammad was killed in a missile attack in June 2004. Resident Sharifullah said three missiles hit the house of Afghan national Sheroo, who hailed from the Zalikhel tribe, which is allegedly harbouring foreign and local militants. "There was no immediate information about the presence of any high-value target," an unnamed official told AFP. Armed militants cordoned off the incident site after the missile strike, the residents said, adding that four unidentified ‘guests’ had arrived late on February 27 at the destroyed house. Army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told AFP that the deaths were caused by explosive material stored in the house, adding that 10 to 12 people were killed in the blast. "As per our information it was an explosion caused by explosive material in the house." However, a security source based in Peshawar said that the missile was fired by a US drone at about 2am. A spokesman for the United States-led coalition force based in Afghanistan said it had "no reports" that either it or the separate North Atlantic Treaty Organisation-headed force were involved in the strike. Sources said that the militants belonged to the Abu Hamza group whose leader was said to be a follower of local militant commander Maulana Nazir, according to Dawn. Nazir won government’s support after launching an armed campaign against Uzbek militants in the Ahmadzai Wazir area in April 2007. A spokesman for Nazir denied the killing of Arabs or Turkmens in the attack and said that some Afghans had died. "They were common Afghans and had been living in the area for a few years." He claimed that missiles had been fired from Afghanistan.
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March - 10 
On March 10, the Taliban in Mohmand Agency of South Waziristan said that they were attacking security forces in the agency to avenge the killing of five of their men a week ago. On March 4, security forces had killed five militants after firing rockets at the Nahaqqi checkpost in Mohmand Agency. The
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On March 10, the Taliban in Mohmand Agency of South Waziristan said that they were attacking security forces in the agency to avenge the killing of five of their men a week ago. On March 4, security forces had killed five militants after firing rockets at the Nahaqqi checkpost in Mohmand Agency. The newly appointed Tehreek-e-Taliban Mohmand Agency spokesman, Dr Asad told Daily Times, “The Taliban will continue to attack security forces in the agency until and unless security forces end operations in Swat and Waziristan Agency.” He, however, denied that the Taliban had blown up Khasadar checkposts in the agency, saying the government was responsible for the attacks.
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March - 21 March - 22
Elsewhere in the FATA, pro-Taliban militants attacked check-posts manned by the Bajaur Scouts and Bajaur Levies in the in Rehmanabad, Sadiqabad and Shende Mor area of Bajaur Agency late on March 21, official sources told Daily Times on March 22. Heavy weapons were used from both sides when the secur
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Elsewhere in the FATA, pro-Taliban militants attacked check-posts manned by the Bajaur Scouts and Bajaur Levies in the in Rehmanabad, Sadiqabad and Shende Mor area of Bajaur Agency late on March 21, official sources told Daily Times on March 22. Heavy weapons were used from both sides when the security forces retaliated, they said. "The crossfire lasted for an hour, but no loss of life was reported from either side," a source said.
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March - 23 March - 24
Militants fired a series of rockets at a hospital in Ghalanai, headquarters of the Mohmand Agency, in the FATA late on March 23, damaging the hospital building, and disrupting the supply of electricity and water, Daily Times. However, no loss of life or injuries was reported. Asad, the purported spo
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Militants fired a series of rockets at a hospital in Ghalanai, headquarters of the Mohmand Agency, in the FATA late on March 23, damaging the hospital building, and disrupting the supply of electricity and water, Daily Times. However, no loss of life or injuries was reported. Asad, the purported spokesman of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Mohmand Agency, told Daily Times via telephone from an undisclosed location on March 24 that the TTP was not involved in the attack. He said the local Taliban stood by their cease-fire accord with the government. He suspected that ‘a third force’ was trying to sabotage the government-Taliban truce.
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March - 24 
In the same area, militants fired rockets and mortars at the Chargo check-post in Salarzai late on March 24-night. However, no one was hurt, the area’s political administration said. Security forces launched a retaliatory action in the direction of the attack, it said. No one claimed responsibility
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In the same area, militants fired rockets and mortars at the Chargo check-post in Salarzai late on March 24-night. However, no one was hurt, the area’s political administration said. Security forces launched a retaliatory action in the direction of the attack, it said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.
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April - 28 
An unnamed senior official said it was a "pressure tactic" and Baitullah wanted to extract maximum benefit, according to Dawn. Sources said that Baitullah was demanding release of his supporters detained on charges of terrorist activities before reaching an agreement with the Government.
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An unnamed senior official said it was a "pressure tactic" and Baitullah wanted to extract maximum benefit, according to Dawn. Sources said that Baitullah was demanding release of his supporters detained on charges of terrorist activities before reaching an agreement with the Government.
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April - 28 
Baitullah Mehsud, chief of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has temporarily suspended talks with the Government over the army’s refusal to withdraw from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), his spokesman announced on April 28, Daily Times reported. The cease-fire announced by Mehsud
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Baitullah Mehsud, chief of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has temporarily suspended talks with the Government over the army’s refusal to withdraw from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), his spokesman announced on April 28, Daily Times reported. The cease-fire announced by Mehsud last week would continue, spokesman Maulana Umar added. The truce was declared after officials announced that a peace agreement had been drafted that included the withdrawal of Government soldiers from some border areas, as well as the exchange of captives on both sides and a pledge not to launch attacks, AFP reported. "TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud ordered the cancellation of negotiations with the Government through a tribal jirga [council]," Umar told reporters by telephone. He said that Mehsud had taken the decision after learning of the continued presence of troops in the FATA. "Some hidden hands are not sincere in (a) deal with the Taliban and there are elements that do not want peace," Umar quoted Mehsud. He said the negotiating team had been ‘disappointed’ by the Government’s inaction. He said the Taliban would resume dialogue if their demands were accepted, adding that the Taliban required the Government to show that it was committed to the peace agreement. He warned that the Taliban would "take revenge" if the Government launched any military operation, Reuters reported. Separately, AP quoted the Awami National Party’s Muhammad Adeel as saying that the Taliban’s demand of a "symbolic" gesture had caused the breakdown in talks.
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May - 1 
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has condemned the suicide attack. Talking to The Post via satellite phone from an undisclosed location, TTP spokesman Maulana Umar said that the Taliban had no involvement in the suicide attack on Namdar. "He is our elder and he is our leader," Umar said while referr
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Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has condemned the suicide attack. Talking to The Post via satellite phone from an undisclosed location, TTP spokesman Maulana Umar said that the Taliban had no involvement in the suicide attack on Namdar. "He is our elder and he is our leader," Umar said while referring to Haji Namdar. "How could we think to attack him," he added.
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May - 2 
The Hakeemullah Group, a militant organisation associated with Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud, on May 2 claimed responsibility for the suicide attack on a madrassa (seminary) in the Khyber Agency on May 1, Daily Times reported. More than 18 persons were wounded in the attack when a suicide bombe
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The Hakeemullah Group, a militant organisation associated with Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud, on May 2 claimed responsibility for the suicide attack on a madrassa (seminary) in the Khyber Agency on May 1, Daily Times reported. More than 18 persons were wounded in the attack when a suicide bomber attacked a seminary run by a religio-militant organisation, Amar Bil Maroof Wa Nahi Anil Munkar (Promotion of Virtue and Suppression of Vice). The group’s chief Haji Namdar who was the target of the attack escaped unhurt. “The Hakeemullah Group has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack on Haji Namdar,” sources in the group told Daily Times. Sources said the Hakeemullah Group had told the organisation that the suicide attack on its chief Namdar was “the result of its links with the Government and the expulsion of Hakeemullah Group by the Amar Bil Maroof Wa Nahi Anil Munkar at the behest of the Government.” The sources said Namdar “held the Hakeemullah Group responsible for all the mess in the Khyber Agency.”
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May - 4 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has banned musical alerts on mobile phones in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Geo News reported on May 5. The channel quoted a TTP spokesman as saying that TTP deputy chief Maulana Faqir Muhammad had banned playing music in vehicles as well as on
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has banned musical alerts on mobile phones in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Geo News reported on May 5. The channel quoted a TTP spokesman as saying that TTP deputy chief Maulana Faqir Muhammad had banned playing music in vehicles as well as on cellular phones. He said that violators would be punished according to the Shariah (Islamic law), according to Daily Times.
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May - 5 
The United States said on May 5 that it wanted Pakistan to live up to its commitment of urgently bringing security under control in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), allegedly used as a safe haven by al Qaeda and Taliban militants, Daily Times reported. Deputy Secretary of State John N
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The United States said on May 5 that it wanted Pakistan to live up to its commitment of urgently bringing security under control in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), allegedly used as a safe haven by al Qaeda and Taliban militants, Daily Times reported. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said Islamabad recognised that bringing the mountainous and unpoliced FATA under control was an urgent priority for Pakistan’s own sake. "But let me be clear: we will not be satisfied until all the violent extremism emanating from FATA is brought under control," he said at a forum of the Washington-based National Endowment for Democracy. "It is unacceptable for extremists to use those areas to plan, train for, or execute attacks against Afghanistan, Pakistan, or the wider world," he stated. Negroponte also said Pakistan’s Government "must bring the Frontier area under its control as quickly as possible," pointing out that Washington was prepared to provide "appropriate assistance" in order to achieve that objective.
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May - 14 
The NATO announced a sharp increase in insurgent attacks in east Afghanistan on May 14 and raised concerns that it was partly due to pacts between Pakistan and the militants in tribal areas on its side of the border. The number of violent incidents in the Afghan east stood last month at 50 per cent
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The NATO announced a sharp increase in insurgent attacks in east Afghanistan on May 14 and raised concerns that it was partly due to pacts between Pakistan and the militants in tribal areas on its side of the border. The number of violent incidents in the Afghan east stood last month at 50 per cent above the same time last year, an alliance spokesman said. The violence there was close to a peak reached last August, he added. "The concern is that the deals struck by the Pakistan Government and extremist groups in tribal areas may be allowing them to have a safe haven," spokesman James Appathurai told a regular briefing after a meeting of alliance ambassadors. "This has been communicated to Pakistani authorities. We do not want to interfere in internal affairs but we have every right to communicate our concerns," he said.
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May - 14 
The Pakistan Army exchanged prisoners with the local Taliban in South and North Waziristan on May 14, as the military began to readjust its positions in the Mehsud areas to facilitate the return of displaced families. "Twelve security personnel — five army jawans and seven Frontier Corps personnel —
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The Pakistan Army exchanged prisoners with the local Taliban in South and North Waziristan on May 14, as the military began to readjust its positions in the Mehsud areas to facilitate the return of displaced families. "Twelve security personnel — five army jawans and seven Frontier Corps personnel — were swapped for over 30 Taliban prisoners," military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told Daily Times. He also said the army had started readjusting troop positions close to the populated areas to facilitate the return of displaced families. He stated that the troop readjustment was in no way a withdrawal from the area. Sources in the South Waziristan political administration said that the Taliban had freed the security force personnel at Kotkai, while the military released militants at the Razmak military camp in North Waziristan. A senior political administration official said the prisoner swap occurred due to the successful Government-Taliban negotiations. "The military itself negotiated with the Baitullah Mehsud-led Taliban," the unnamed official said. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claims that there are 80 to 90 security force personnel and Government officials in its custody, according to Dawn. However, an official said the militants had given the Government a list of 55 hostages, including low-ranking employees of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. There was no indication on Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Tariq Azizuddin, who had been abducted from Khyber Agency in FATA while going to Kabul on February 11. The TTP has denied capturing Azizuddin but officials stated that he has been taken to the Mehsud area in South Waziristan. An unnamed official said Azizuddin’s name was on the list of people whose release had been sought by the Government but the militants were probably holding on to him till all the commitments made with them were fulfilled.
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May - 16 
The withdrawal of the security forces (SFs) has started from areas of Spain Kai, Ghazai and Kot Kai in South Waziristan, The News reported. Confirming the reports of the pullout of the SFs on May 16, the political administration of South Waziristan said the troops were being deployed in areas of Jan
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The withdrawal of the security forces (SFs) has started from areas of Spain Kai, Ghazai and Kot Kai in South Waziristan, The News reported. Confirming the reports of the pullout of the SFs on May 16, the political administration of South Waziristan said the troops were being deployed in areas of Jandola Qilla and other locations. The pullout would be completed within a day or two. But a Government official said the military was being relocated to positions from where it would be easy for them to re-occupy the vacated positions within four hours of any incident, according to Dawn. The troop withdrawal was a key commitment made by the Government for reaching peace agreement with militants and came after the two sides had exchanged prisoners over the past three days. Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas, however, said that the troops were not being withdrawn but being relocated and readjusted to allow displaced people to return to their homes.
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May - 18 
Pakistan "disagreed" on May 18 with the United States intelligence assessment that al Qaeda is using the FATA to plot attacks on the US as Operation Zalzala continues in South Waziristan, according to Daily Times. "No Pashtun is a terrorist," 14 Division GOC Major General Tariq Khan told journalists
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Pakistan "disagreed" on May 18 with the United States intelligence assessment that al Qaeda is using the FATA to plot attacks on the US as Operation Zalzala continues in South Waziristan, according to Daily Times. "No Pashtun is a terrorist," 14 Division GOC Major General Tariq Khan told journalists while showing them the forward positions of the army in a former stronghold of Baitullah Mehsud. Disagreeing with the US allegation that the Pakistan Army was being lenient with al Qaeda and the Taliban, he said "I would disagree with the US claims of [us] being soft on militants."
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May - 18 
The military has reportedly started looking for evidence to confirm the death of Qari Hussain, the Taliban’s chief ideologue and principal suicide bombing trainer, after intercepting militant communications saying Hussain was ‘killed in Operation Zalzala. “We have picked up intercepts of militants s
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The military has reportedly started looking for evidence to confirm the death of Qari Hussain, the Taliban’s chief ideologue and principal suicide bombing trainer, after intercepting militant communications saying Hussain was ‘killed in Operation Zalzala. “We have picked up intercepts of militants saying Qari Hussain has been killed in the operation,” senior army commanders who led Operation Zalzala in South Waziristan told Daily Times. Qari Hussain, a Mehsud tribesman affiliated with a banned militant/sectarian group, is known for running Baitullah Mehsud-led Taliban suicide bombing training centres. One of such training centre, which deployed young suicide bombers deep within Pakistan and possibly Afghanistan, was reportedly discovered at a Government-run school in the Kotkai area by the army. “It was a normal school meant for imparting modern education to tribal people. But we found material used in suicide bombing there,” GOC-14 Division Major General Tariq Khan told reporters in Dera Ismail Khan in the NWFP on May 18.
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May - 19 
A militant outfit in the Bajaur Agency of the FATA has announced separation from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and said that it would not become part of any peace deal between the Government and the local Taliban, Dawn reported. The splinter group named Jaishul Islam decided that it would not
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A militant outfit in the Bajaur Agency of the FATA has announced separation from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and said that it would not become part of any peace deal between the Government and the local Taliban, Dawn reported. The splinter group named Jaishul Islam decided that it would not take part in peace talks with the Government unless security forces halt action in Darra Adamkhel in the NWFP and other parts of the country. The group leader, Qari Saifullah, told journalists that they did not agree with the policy of TTP headed by Baitullah Mehsud to strike a peace deal with the Government. He said that on the one hand Government had started negotiations with the Taliban while on the other operations had been launched in Darra Adamkhel. Therefore, he said, Jaishul Islam had disassociated itself from the peace talks. The splinter group is led by Abu Raihan in the Bajaur Agency. Qari Saifullah claimed that the people killed in the missile attack in Damadola on May 14 belonged to his group. At least 14 people were killed in the air attack carried out by the Americans. “Jaish will take revenge of the killing of its comrades,” said Saifullah.
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May - 23 
The Taliban will not accept any Government condition to stop cross-border movement to finalise a peace deal, a militant commander declared last week. "First, we will not accept such a ban. But we hope the peace deal will be inked without a clause that puts restrictions on Mujahideen to cross the bor
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The Taliban will not accept any Government condition to stop cross-border movement to finalise a peace deal, a militant commander declared last week. "First, we will not accept such a ban. But we hope the peace deal will be inked without a clause that puts restrictions on Mujahideen to cross the border (into Afghanistan)," Abu Zakwan, Taliban commander in the Kotkai area of South Waziristan, told Daily Times on May 24. Using the alias of Abu Zakwan, the commander said that Government negotiators are asking for a pledge to stop cross-border attacks, but the Taliban were not committing to such an agreement. He said Waziristan was serving the region as "centre for jihad" and people from across the country were being trained for holy war "against the United States".
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June - 10 
Any future terror attack against US interests would most likely be carried out by militants based in Pakistan’s restive tribal belt bordering Afghanistan, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen said on June 10, according to Daily Times. The top military official told a press in Was
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Any future terror attack against US interests would most likely be carried out by militants based in Pakistan’s restive tribal belt bordering Afghanistan, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen said on June 10, according to Daily Times. The top military official told a press in Washington that tribal groups with ties to al Qaeda in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) represent the worst security threat to the US. "I believe fundamentally that if the US is going to get hit, it is going to come out of the planning of the leadership in FATA," he told reporters, adding, "That is a threat to us that must be dealt with." The new government, Mullen said, faces "significant challenges as it gets underway, and at the same time is looking to the best way to deal with this challenge".
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June - 10 
Jamaat-e-Islami leaders of Bajaur Agency said that ten million tribal people would avenge June 10 bombing of Mohmand Agency by US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces.
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Jamaat-e-Islami leaders of Bajaur Agency said that ten million tribal people would avenge June 10 bombing of Mohmand Agency by US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces.
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June - 13 
The NWFP Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani has said that the Government will continue its dialogue with militants in the FATA despite ‘enormous’ international pressure, adding, "The NWFP government’s peace agreement with militants in Swat is yielding positive results and that is why the federal government
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The NWFP Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani has said that the Government will continue its dialogue with militants in the FATA despite ‘enormous’ international pressure, adding, "The NWFP government’s peace agreement with militants in Swat is yielding positive results and that is why the federal government is going to make a peace deal with FATA militants." Concerning US and Afghanistan worries on Pakistani peace talks with militants, Ghani said peace in FATA could not be restored within days, adding that peace deals required some time in order to yield positive results.
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June - 24 
Taliban militants began withdrawing from Jandola in FATA on June 24, a government and a security official said, Daily Times reports. "The situation has improved. There has been no untoward incident today and they’re moving out," Barkatullah, the top Government officer in the region, told Reuters. An
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Taliban militants began withdrawing from Jandola in FATA on June 24, a government and a security official said, Daily Times reports. "The situation has improved. There has been no untoward incident today and they’re moving out," Barkatullah, the top Government officer in the region, told Reuters. An unnamed security official said the militants were pulling out after a Government threat to launch an offensive against them. Meanwhile, according to APP a representative Jirga (council) has been constituted to end the three-day standoff, Barkatullah said.
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June - 28 
Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud suspended peace talks with the Government on June 28, when troops launched an offensive against militants in the Khyber Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). “We are suspending peace talks with the government because the government is constantly usi
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Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud suspended peace talks with the Government on June 28, when troops launched an offensive against militants in the Khyber Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). “We are suspending peace talks with the government because the government is constantly using force against us,” Mehsud told AFP by satellite telephone. “The government is not showing any seriousness and is using force against us. But if the government takes any military action we are also ready for martyrdom,” he added.
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June - 29 
Local official Muhammad Siddiq Khan said the FC had also encountered no resistance as it moved into areas outside Bara, AP reported. Muhammad Ilyas, a bodyguard of Mangal Bagh, confirmed that the LI cadres had been strictly directed against fighting Government troops by “amir sahib”. During the oper
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Local official Muhammad Siddiq Khan said the FC had also encountered no resistance as it moved into areas outside Bara, AP reported. Muhammad Ilyas, a bodyguard of Mangal Bagh, confirmed that the LI cadres had been strictly directed against fighting Government troops by “amir sahib”. During the operation’s second day, security forces razed several buildings, including the Mehboob Markaz, the Tayab, Misri and Gud Malang centres and a private jail. A security official told AFP that soldiers also blew up a building belonging to the Taliban-linked group Ansarul Islam (AI). However, FATA Additional Secretary Habibullah Khan declined to comment on the target of the operation. “This operation is not against a particular individual or group,” he told reporters.
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June - 29 
Soldiers backed by armoured vehicles retook control of Bara town in the Khyber Agency of the FATA on June 29, and prepared to advance to other areas in the district, including the Tirah Valley, Daily Times reported. An unnamed official said that the Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) chief Mangal Bagh had moved t
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Soldiers backed by armoured vehicles retook control of Bara town in the Khyber Agency of the FATA on June 29, and prepared to advance to other areas in the district, including the Tirah Valley, Daily Times reported. An unnamed official said that the Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) chief Mangal Bagh had moved to the remote Tirah Valley before the launch of the military operations, Reuters reported. The second day of the NWFP Government’s operations ended without any resistance, as the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) troops continued their advance into the tribal region near Peshawar, capital of the NWFP. In Bara, Bagh had directed his supporters against fighting Government forces. “We’re peaceful and giving way to the security forces; we are not going to fight,” said Mangal Bagh’s 16-year-old son Tayeb. The 5,000-troop contingent of FC soldiers that launched the operation on June 28 was supplemented with a fresh deployment of 400 troops and 20 vehicles on June 29.
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June - 30 
The Ministry of Interior said on June 30 that the operation launched in the Khyber Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) would continue till its objectives were achieved. It also announced a ban on three groups operating in the region for their involvement in criminal activities, Dawn
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The Ministry of Interior said on June 30 that the operation launched in the Khyber Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) would continue till its objectives were achieved. It also announced a ban on three groups operating in the region for their involvement in criminal activities, Dawn reported. "Lashkar-i-lslam of Mangal Bagh, Ansar-ul-lslam of Mahboob-ul-Haque and the Haji Namdar group have been banned under the Anti-Terrorist Act and a notification to this effect has been issued," sources at the interior ministry said on June 30.
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July - 4 
The government suspended its security operation against suspected militants and criminals in the Khyber Agency for 36 hours to allow Afridi tribesmen to meet Mangal Bagh and conduct peace talks. "The operation has been suspended until Saturday morning on the request of the tribal jirga and we have r
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The government suspended its security operation against suspected militants and criminals in the Khyber Agency for 36 hours to allow Afridi tribesmen to meet Mangal Bagh and conduct peace talks. "The operation has been suspended until Saturday morning on the request of the tribal jirga and we have relaxed the curfew in Bara to facilitate locals," Khyber Agency Chief Administrator Tariq Hayat Khan told Daily Times. He said that Afridi elders had approached him on July 3 and offered to conduct negotiations with Lashkar-e-Islam chief Mangal Bagh to help restore peace in the area. Khan said the government had provided the jirga members with a list of demands for Bagh, adding that these included surrender of all weapons along with a guarantee that Bagh would not challenge the state’s writ. "If our goals can be achieved through peaceful means, we will certainly pursue them. But, rest assured, we will continue the operation as long as our demands are not met," Khan said. He said security forces had destroyed 16 militant compounds during the past six days of the operation, adding that they had also identified 14 other such compounds. He said the remaining centres would also be destroyed if the Jirga failed to convince Bagh to surrender to the government
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July - 4 
The offensive in Khyber Agency will continue until the writ of the government is restored in the region, said NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani said. Security forces are carefully pursuing the operation, which is against criminals and militants and common people need not worry, the governor told repor
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The offensive in Khyber Agency will continue until the writ of the government is restored in the region, said NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani said. Security forces are carefully pursuing the operation, which is against criminals and militants and common people need not worry, the governor told reporters. He said that a security policy had been devised, but it could not be revealed at the moment. He said protecting people was the government’s responsibility and the government would therefore conduct more such operations, if need be.
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July - 5 
An 18-member peace Jirga met Lashkar-e-Islam chief Mangal Bagh at Tirah Valley in the Khyber Agency to discuss measures to end fighting in the region between rival militant groups. During his parleys with the Jirga, Mangal Bagh demanded that the Government should call off the operation by SFs. He al
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An 18-member peace Jirga met Lashkar-e-Islam chief Mangal Bagh at Tirah Valley in the Khyber Agency to discuss measures to end fighting in the region between rival militant groups. During his parleys with the Jirga, Mangal Bagh demanded that the Government should call off the operation by SFs. He also demanded that the SFs should stop demolishing the bases of his group.
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July - 6 
Elsewhere in the FATA, the three organisations that were running parallel governments in the Khyber Agency have been disbanded, bringing normalcy to the area, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik said on July 6, according to Daily Times.
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Elsewhere in the FATA, the three organisations that were running parallel governments in the Khyber Agency have been disbanded, bringing normalcy to the area, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik said on July 6, according to Daily Times.
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July - 8 
Elsewhere in the FATA, the local Taliban on July 8 took possession of two girls’ primary schools in the Charmang area of Nawagai sub-division in the Bajaur Agency and announced the conversion of these schools into madrassas (seminaries). The Taliban captured Government Girls Primary School Manugi an
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Elsewhere in the FATA, the local Taliban on July 8 took possession of two girls’ primary schools in the Charmang area of Nawagai sub-division in the Bajaur Agency and announced the conversion of these schools into madrassas (seminaries). The Taliban captured Government Girls Primary School Manugi and Government Girls Primary School AzgharCharmang.
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July - 8 
LI chief Mangal Bagh told a jirga (council), “I will not resist security forces and continue support to the government. The LI will not engage in any act that affects the writ of the state and will only carry out activities concerning the Afridi tribes.”
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LI chief Mangal Bagh told a jirga (council), “I will not resist security forces and continue support to the government. The LI will not engage in any act that affects the writ of the state and will only carry out activities concerning the Afridi tribes.”
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July - 8 
Mangal Bagh denied the involvement of LI in the July 8-attack on a security forces’ convoy in Khyber Agency, Daily Times reported. In a statement, he said those responsible should be given exemplary punishment.
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Mangal Bagh denied the involvement of LI in the July 8-attack on a security forces’ convoy in Khyber Agency, Daily Times reported. In a statement, he said those responsible should be given exemplary punishment.
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July - 10 
According to the Assistant Political Agent of Lower Kurram, three people were killed and six others injured when a vehicle carrying vegetables struck a landmine in Arawali village.
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According to the Assistant Political Agent of Lower Kurram, three people were killed and six others injured when a vehicle carrying vegetables struck a landmine in Arawali village.
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July - 10 
The body of a doctor killed by suspected militants was found in the Dosli sub-division of North Waziristan on July 10, Daily Times reported. Identified as Dr Farrukh Aftab, a resident of Islamabad, officials said that the man had been shot four times in the chest. A note pinned to his body read: “He
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The body of a doctor killed by suspected militants was found in the Dosli sub-division of North Waziristan on July 10, Daily Times reported. Identified as Dr Farrukh Aftab, a resident of Islamabad, officials said that the man had been shot four times in the chest. A note pinned to his body read: “He [Dr Farrukh Aftab] was opposing Islam and jihad, and he was a supporter of European countries. He was working for NGOs.” It is yet unknown whether the man was seized while visiting the region, or abducted from Islamabad and brought to Waziristan.
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July - 15 July - 16
The NATO-led troops in Afghanistan used attack helicopters and artillery to fire into Pakistan after coming under rocket attacks from the Pakistani side of the border, the alliance force said on July 16, Daily Times reported. The counter-attack on July 15 was launched from Afghanistan’s Paktika prov
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The NATO-led troops in Afghanistan used attack helicopters and artillery to fire into Pakistan after coming under rocket attacks from the Pakistani side of the border, the alliance force said on July 16, Daily Times reported. The counter-attack on July 15 was launched from Afghanistan’s Paktika province, which adjoins Pakistan’s North Waziristan.
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July - 20 
In a report presented to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, the latest figure of foreign fighters present in the FATA is estimated to be more than 8,000, The News reported. At a special cabinet briefing on July 20, it was reportedly decided that the Government will have to use force if the process o
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In a report presented to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, the latest figure of foreign fighters present in the FATA is estimated to be more than 8,000, The News reported. At a special cabinet briefing on July 20, it was reportedly decided that the Government will have to use force if the process of dialogue does not produce the results. The Prime Minister and some important ministers will visit Peshawar on July 21 for a special meeting, which could decide the launching of a major operation against foreign fighters in the FATA, Interior Ministry Adviser Rehman Malik told The News on July 20. However, Malik told the newspaper that the number of foreign fighters was only about 1,000. According to the report presented to Gilani, a majority of these foreign fighters are living in North and South Waziristan and Bajaur. The Prime Minister was also informed that some foreign intelligence agencies are pushing their agents into the Pakistani tribal areas from Afghanistan under the cover of Taliban and al Qaeda fighters.
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July - 24 
Two mortar shells fired from across the border in Afghanistan hit a house in the Bajaur Agency of the FATA on July 24 causing injuries to a tribesman. Bajaur Agency political administration officials told Daily Times that two mortar shells fired from across the border at 1pm (PST) hit Islam Gul’s ho
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Two mortar shells fired from across the border in Afghanistan hit a house in the Bajaur Agency of the FATA on July 24 causing injuries to a tribesman. Bajaur Agency political administration officials told Daily Times that two mortar shells fired from across the border at 1pm (PST) hit Islam Gul’s house in Charmang Hashim, 40 kilometers from Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur Agency.
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August - 3 
Al Qaeda confirmed in a web statement on August 3 the death of a senior commander known as an explosives expert, who is believed to have been killed in a US air strike in Pakistan last week, Dawn reported. The statement said Abu Khabab Al-Masri and three other commanders were killed. It did not give
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Al Qaeda confirmed in a web statement on August 3 the death of a senior commander known as an explosives expert, who is believed to have been killed in a US air strike in Pakistan last week, Dawn reported. The statement said Abu Khabab Al-Masri and three other commanders were killed. It did not give details on when or how they were killed, but Pakistani authorities have said they believe Al-Masri died in an American air strike on July 28 on a compound near the Afghan border. Al-Masri, an Egyptian militant whose real name is Midhat Mursi, had a $5 million bounty on his head from the United States. He is accused of training militants to use poisons and explosives, and is believed to have trained suicide bombers who killed 17 American sailors on the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000. He is also believed to have helped run al Qaeda’s Darunta training camp in eastern Afghanistan, until the camp was abandoned amid the 2001 US invasion of the country.
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August - 9 
Paramilitary troops retreated from the Loyesam area of Bajaur Agency in the FATA on August 9, three days after an attempt to recapture the Taliban stronghold near the Afghan border, officials told Daily Times. Loyesam lies on the strategically important road leading towards Peshawar, capital of the
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Paramilitary troops retreated from the Loyesam area of Bajaur Agency in the FATA on August 9, three days after an attempt to recapture the Taliban stronghold near the Afghan border, officials told Daily Times. Loyesam lies on the strategically important road leading towards Peshawar, capital of the NWFP. About 200 Frontier Corps (FC) troops were deployed on August 6 to set up check-posts near the Afghan border, prompting "tough resistance" from the militants. A press statement from the FC headquarters in Peshawar said six soldiers were killed and 15 injured after the paramilitary troops broke a Taliban siege and reached Khar, the agency headquarters. Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas confirmed the retreat from Loyesam. The Taliban reportedly made a claim to victory, but a senior Government official said the troops had returned to Khar "under a strategy". Meanwhile, sources close to the Taliban said the militants "drove out" the security forces. Maulvi Umar, the Taliban spokesman, claimed they lost around 10 militants but captured seven paramilitary soldiers and seized ten vehicles and a tank.
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August - 10 
At least seven persons were killed and more than 20 injured in fighting between the militants and security forces (SFs) in the Bajaur Agency on August 10, as Taliban occupied a 15-kilometre stretch of land from agency headquarters Khar to the Jaar area, Daily Times reported. Fighter aircraft and hel
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At least seven persons were killed and more than 20 injured in fighting between the militants and security forces (SFs) in the Bajaur Agency on August 10, as Taliban occupied a 15-kilometre stretch of land from agency headquarters Khar to the Jaar area, Daily Times reported. Fighter aircraft and helicopter gun-ships targeted militant hideouts in the agency after paramilitary troops withdrew from the Taliban stronghold of Loyesam following three days of fierce clashes. Two helicopters and two fighter jets targeted Taliban hideouts in Loyesam, Bando, Rashakai, Tang, Jaar, Haji Lawang, Yousafabad and Charmang areas until 4pm (PST) on August 10. Approximately 40 houses were destroyed during the bombing. Taliban militants reportedly attacked the bombers with anti-aircraft guns in the Carela and Tang Khata areas. Hundreds of armed Taliban militants, meanwhile, dug trenches in Loyesam along an eight-kilometer stretch of the strategic road leading to Peshawar, capital of the NWFP. Taliban also took control of temporary check-posts in Yousafabad, Haji Lawang, and Jaar abandoned by the SFs. They also blew up an abandoned check-post in Jarmola Kilay. Witnesses said Taliban dug trenches just a furlong away from the Bajaur Scouts headquarters in Khar and occupied a bridge in Jaar. Witnesses said most of the Bajaur Agency is now under Taliban control. Local sources said 90,000 local residents had emigrated from the area, mostly to the neighbouring Dir district. NGOs are reported to have set up camps in the Munda area, between the Dir and Bajaur. An official of Inter-Services Public Relations said the Pakistan Army was not taking part in the operation and therefore, they had no details on the losses suffered by the militants, The News reported. He said the paramilitary Frontier Corps in consultation with the local political administration was conducting the operation against militants in which fighter aircraft and gunship helicopters were being used to target the positions of militants.
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August - 12 
A senior al Qaeda operative and 17 other militants were killed and several others sustained injuries when low-flying helicopters bombed their positions in the Bajaur Agency of the FATA, Dawn reported. Sources said Abu Saeed al-Masri alias Mustafa Mohammad Ahmad was killed in the air strike. The Egyp
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A senior al Qaeda operative and 17 other militants were killed and several others sustained injuries when low-flying helicopters bombed their positions in the Bajaur Agency of the FATA, Dawn reported. Sources said Abu Saeed al-Masri alias Mustafa Mohammad Ahmad was killed in the air strike. The Egyptian-born Abu Saeed was reported to be a senior member of the Majlis-i-Shura and financial chief of al Qaeda. They said that Cobra helicopters precisely targeted militants’ positions in Shahnari, Haji Lawang, Ragha Dagg and Takht areas where security forces had been using air power since August 8. The helicopters attacked militants’ hideouts in Shahnari, killing 13 Taliban militants. They also hit four vehicles in Takht, killing five militants and injuring three others. However, a spokesman for the Tehrik-i-Taliban denied that any foreign militant had been killed, AFP reported. "I strongly contradict reports that Abu Saeed al-Masri was killed in Bajaur. There are no foreigners," Omar said. Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said the security agencies had intelligence on presence of top al Qaeda operative Abu Mustafa Al Yazid but his death could not be confirmed as yet by "contacts on the ground", Daily Times reported.
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August - 13 
Sources close to Arab militants denied reports about the killing of senior al Qaeda operative and the network's operational commander in Afghanistan, Abu Yazeed al-Masri alias Mustafa Mohammad Ahmad or Sheikh Saeed al-Masri, in bombing by the Pakistani fighter aircraft on Damadola in Bajaur a few da
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Sources close to Arab militants denied reports about the killing of senior al Qaeda operative and the network's operational commander in Afghanistan, Abu Yazeed al-Masri alias Mustafa Mohammad Ahmad or Sheikh Saeed al-Masri, in bombing by the Pakistani fighter aircraft on Damadola in Bajaur a few days back.
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August - 14 
Military authorities issued a warning to civilians in Taliban-dominated areas in Bajaur to move to safe places. Witnesses said people in droves were fleeing areas considered to be strongholds of the militants in Mohmand Agency, near its boundary with Bajaur, and heading towards Peshawar, Charsadda a
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Military authorities issued a warning to civilians in Taliban-dominated areas in Bajaur to move to safe places. Witnesses said people in droves were fleeing areas considered to be strongholds of the militants in Mohmand Agency, near its boundary with Bajaur, and heading towards Peshawar, Charsadda and some safe locations in the tribal area. Pamphlets were dropped from helicopters in Khar, asking people to vacate the areas where militants were hiding and not to travel after sunset and warning that they could be attacked if the instructions were not followed.
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August - 15 
Political authorities said about 3,000 displaced families had left the area and crossed the Thoorghundai checkpoint on August 15.
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Political authorities said about 3,000 displaced families had left the area and crossed the Thoorghundai checkpoint on August 15.
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August - 16 
Meanwhile, military authorities and the Taliban militants disagreed with the figures given by Rahman Malik in his press briefing in Peshawar about the casualties of militants in the military campaign in Bajaur. Malik had claimed that 461 militants had so far been killed in the military action. Milit
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Meanwhile, military authorities and the Taliban militants disagreed with the figures given by Rahman Malik in his press briefing in Peshawar about the casualties of militants in the military campaign in Bajaur. Malik had claimed that 461 militants had so far been killed in the military action. Military officials, while quoting intercepted messages, said 165 militants had been killed in the ongoing operation. Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar also denied losses of their people at such a large scale in the air strikes and artillery shelling.
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August - 16 
Senior military officials told The News that the ongoing air strikes by the fighter aircraft and gunship helicopters had inflicted great losses on the militants. “Now they have been confined to their hideouts along the border with Afghanistan,” they said. They also confirmed that a ground operation
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Senior military officials told The News that the ongoing air strikes by the fighter aircraft and gunship helicopters had inflicted great losses on the militants. “Now they have been confined to their hideouts along the border with Afghanistan,” they said. They also confirmed that a ground operation in the Agency might be launched any time. Besides the paramilitary Frontier Corps and Bajaur Levies personnel, military officials said Pakistan Army soldiers would also take part in the clean-up operation which is to be launched from the Arang area near Batkhela in the Malakand Agency and Barang near Timergara in Dir Lower.
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August - 19 
The number of displaced people of Bajaur Agency has gone up to over 250,000 and the Government has sought help from non-governmental organisations in relief and rehabilitation work. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Interior Affairs Rehman Malik told representatives of 39 international and local NGOs in I
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The number of displaced people of Bajaur Agency has gone up to over 250,000 and the Government has sought help from non-governmental organisations in relief and rehabilitation work. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Interior Affairs Rehman Malik told representatives of 39 international and local NGOs in Islamabad on August 19 that the Government was providing shelter, food and medicines to the displaced people but its resources were not adequate to alleviate their suffering. "I appeal to the NGOs to help the government in its efforts to provide relief and rehabilitate the displaced people in Bajaur Agency," he said. He said that about 50,000 families comprising 250,000 to 300,000 people had been forced to leave their homes because of the unrest in the agency and they needed immediate relief.
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August - 21 
The deputy chief of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Maulana Faqir Mohammad, offered to stop fighting if the security forces halted bombing and mortar and artillery shelling on residential areas of the tribal region.
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The deputy chief of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Maulana Faqir Mohammad, offered to stop fighting if the security forces halted bombing and mortar and artillery shelling on residential areas of the tribal region.
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August - 24 
The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announced a cease-fire in Bajaur Agency on August 24 "after a request from tribal elders" and said they would initiate a dialogue with the Government, Daily Times reported. "We have directed our militants to stop attacks against the government and security forces
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The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announced a cease-fire in Bajaur Agency on August 24 "after a request from tribal elders" and said they would initiate a dialogue with the Government, Daily Times reported. "We have directed our militants to stop attacks against the government and security forces in Bajaur from today," Maulvi Omar, TTP spokesman told AFP. He said, "The jirga (elders’ council) insisted that Taliban should stop fighting in the interest of the people of Bajaur." The jirga has "assured" the Taliban that troops will also suspend shelling and bombing raids in the area, he added. "We are ready for talks with the Government and the truce is an important development towards dialogue," Omar stated.
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August - 25 
The local Taliban led by pro-government militant commander Maulvi Nazir on August 25 announced a unilateral cease-fire after fierce clashes with security forces in South Waziristan, The News reported. Militant sources said a Jirga (council) of Ahmadzai Wazir tribal elders held an emergency meeting w
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The local Taliban led by pro-government militant commander Maulvi Nazir on August 25 announced a unilateral cease-fire after fierce clashes with security forces in South Waziristan, The News reported. Militant sources said a Jirga (council) of Ahmadzai Wazir tribal elders held an emergency meeting with Political Agent Syed Shahab Ali Shah and informed him of the frequent violation of Pakistan's airspace by the US spy planes and carrying out air strikes in the Agency, killing innocent tribesmen in the name of al Qaeda. The Jirga assured the Political Agent of their co-operation in maintaining law and order in the area and convinced the official that in future Ahmadzai Wazir tribesmen would refrain from attacking the security forces. They added that under the collective responsibility section of the Frontier Crimes Regulations they would be responsible to the political administration.
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August - 26 August - 27
At least 23 Taliban militants and two soldiers were killed, while 20 militants and seven soldiers were injured on August 27 after clashes broke out in different areas of South Waziristan, Dawn reported. Sources said that the Taliban attacked a check-post in Tiarza, three kilometers off Wana on Augus
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At least 23 Taliban militants and two soldiers were killed, while 20 militants and seven soldiers were injured on August 27 after clashes broke out in different areas of South Waziristan, Dawn reported. Sources said that the Taliban attacked a check-post in Tiarza, three kilometers off Wana on August 26-night. The security forces (SFs) countered the attack, killing 11 militants and injuring 20 others. Fierce fighting between the two sides reportedly continued throughout August 27. Two soldiers were killed and seven others sustained injuries when the Taliban attacked three army vehicles near Wana bazaar in the evening. Fighting was intensified in different areas after the attack on the army convoy. Sources added that 12 more militants were killed in the clashes. Further, a woman and a man were killed after a mortar shell hit their house. Militant commander Maulvi Nazir has denied that the Taliban were involved in the attack on the Tiarza check-post. He suspected that Meshud tribesmen might be involved in the attack as the check-post was on the border between the areas of Wazir and Mehsud tribes. Ahmadullah Ahmadi, a spokesman for the militant group of Hafiz Gul Bahadar and Maulvi Nazir, said that the Taliban had declared a unilateral cease-fire till August 30 in the tribal area. He said that they would not violate the truce without provocation.
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August - 30 
The military operation in the FATA will be suspended on August 31 in view of the holy month of Ramazan, Interior Adviser Rehman Malik said on August 30, Daily Times reported. But he said the military would respond ‘with full force’ if it were attacked. “It is not a ceasefire… If they fire a single b
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The military operation in the FATA will be suspended on August 31 in view of the holy month of Ramazan, Interior Adviser Rehman Malik said on August 30, Daily Times reported. But he said the military would respond ‘with full force’ if it were attacked. “It is not a ceasefire… If they fire a single bullet we will respond with 10 bullets,” he said while talking to reporters in Lahore.
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September - 3 
An IASF spokesman told AFP he had no word of such a raid, and that the force does not have a mandate to attack outside the borders of Afghanistan unless its troops come under fire from within Pakistan. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman declined to comment.
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An IASF spokesman told AFP he had no word of such a raid, and that the force does not have a mandate to attack outside the borders of Afghanistan unless its troops come under fire from within Pakistan. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman declined to comment.
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September - 3 
The military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said in Islamabad, "In the wee hours of the morning on Sept 3, ISAF troops in two helicopters landed at a village near Angoor Adda, South Waziristan Agency, and as per reports received so far, killed seven innocent civilians." He condemned the "comple
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The military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said in Islamabad, "In the wee hours of the morning on Sept 3, ISAF troops in two helicopters landed at a village near Angoor Adda, South Waziristan Agency, and as per reports received so far, killed seven innocent civilians." He condemned the "completely unprovoked act of killing" and regretted the loss of precious lives. He said the Pakistan Army had lodged a strong protest with the Office of the Defence Representative in Pakistan and said that "we reserve the right of self-defence and retaliation to protect our citizens and soldiers against aggression". "It is an outrage," NWFP Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani said in a statement. He said: "This is a direct assault on the sovereignty of Pakistan and the people expect that the armed forces of Pakistan will rise to defend the sovereignty of the country and give a befitting reply."
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September - 10 
The US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said the Pakistan military and government are focused on the instability in the border region and it is critical to continue to work with the new Pakistan government, Daily Times reported. "During this time of political turmoil in Pakistan, it is especially crit
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The US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said the Pakistan military and government are focused on the instability in the border region and it is critical to continue to work with the new Pakistan government, Daily Times reported. "During this time of political turmoil in Pakistan, it is especially critical that we maintain a strong and positive relationship with the government, since any deterioration would be a setback for both Pakistan and Afghanistan," Gates told the House Armed Services Committee. Gates said that the insecurity and violence would persist in Afghanistan until the insurgency was deprived of havens in Pakistan, but suggested that the US wanted to avoid confrontation with Islamabad. Citing Washington’s plans for massive economic assistance to Pakistan he said that it would bolster the confidence of the new government in the US having a long-term commitment to the South Asian country. He also said that the US had a multi-year package for economic development in Pakistan.
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September - 10 
The US military will revise its strategy for Afghanistan to include militant ‘safe havens’ in Pakistan in its area of concern, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said on September 10, according to Dawn. Afghanistan and Pakistan "in my view … are inextricably linked in a
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The US military will revise its strategy for Afghanistan to include militant ‘safe havens’ in Pakistan in its area of concern, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said on September 10, according to Dawn. Afghanistan and Pakistan "in my view … are inextricably linked in a common insurgency that crosses the border between them," said Admiral Mullen while explaining the need to include FATA in the new US military strategy.
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September - 10 
The US National Intelligence Council (NIC) warned the Bush administration in August that a decision to launch ground attacks inside Pakistan could further destabilise the Pakistani government and the military, Asia Times Online reported on September 10, quoting NIC sources. Security analysts believe
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The US National Intelligence Council (NIC) warned the Bush administration in August that a decision to launch ground attacks inside Pakistan could further destabilise the Pakistani government and the military, Asia Times Online reported on September 10, quoting NIC sources. Security analysts believe if US commando raids continue beyond a few months they could provoke large-scale defections from the Pakistani Army serving in FATA.
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September - 15 
Troops have been deployed in trenches vacated by warring tribes in the Kurram Agency in FATA, political authorities said on September 15, reports Daily Times. "Strict action will be taken against any tribe violating the ceasefire," Political Agent Muhammad Azam Khan told reporters, adding that secur
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Troops have been deployed in trenches vacated by warring tribes in the Kurram Agency in FATA, political authorities said on September 15, reports Daily Times. "Strict action will be taken against any tribe violating the ceasefire," Political Agent Muhammad Azam Khan told reporters, adding that security forces were being deployed in Balaskhel, Sadda, Sangeena, Bagazai, Alizai and other restive areas. He said clashes between the tribes in Karman and Lower Kurram had ended.
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September - 15 
Two United States (US) military helicopters turned back to Afghanistan from the border early on September 15 after shots were fired from the ground, but there were conflicting accounts of the incident, according to Daily Times. Security officials and tribal elders said the threat of an incursion led
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Two United States (US) military helicopters turned back to Afghanistan from the border early on September 15 after shots were fired from the ground, but there were conflicting accounts of the incident, according to Daily Times. Security officials and tribal elders said the threat of an incursion led Pakistani troops and tribesmen to fire. An unnamed senior administration official in Wana told Daily Times the US forces took off from the Macha Dad Kot base in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. "The US choppers came into Pakistan by just 100 to 150 meters at Angoor Adda. Even then our troops did not spare them, opened fire on them and they turned away," an unnamed security official told Reuters. Another security official told AFP that tribesmen joined in the firing after Pakistani soldiers played bugles to alert them. But Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesman, Major General Athar Abbas, denying there had been any such incident, said, "These reports are not correct. We have checked, there is an FC (Frontier Corps) post in the area. No helicopter came inside our side of the border, nor did our troops fire at any." Also, the US-led coalition, based in Bagram, said they were not aware of the incident, and added, "Our helicopters do fly close to the border conducting routine missions, but none have attempted to cross into Pakistan. We have no reports of such events." Further, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters, "I’ve checked into that and find it to be a spurious report. I’ve checked all the places that would know about something like that and it doesn’t appear to be accurate." Meanwhile, the Ahmedzai Wazir tribes have summoned a grand Jirga (council) to devise a strategy against possible US incursions, a tribal elder told Daily Times. Foreign attacks on Pakistan’s Tribal Areas are an incursion and all-out efforts would be made to stop such invasions, said Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar. The minister said that Pakistan would take every possible measure to defend its territory. Also, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan is trying to solve the issue of American attacks inside its Tribal Areas diplomatically
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September - 21 
Preliminary investigation suggests a strong connection with South Waziristan Agency, Interior Adviser Rehman Malik said on September 21, adding, “It is premature to blame any particular group or individual, but all roads lead to Waziristan.” He informed that the six-wheeler dumper used in the attack
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Preliminary investigation suggests a strong connection with South Waziristan Agency, Interior Adviser Rehman Malik said on September 21, adding, “It is premature to blame any particular group or individual, but all roads lead to Waziristan.” He informed that the six-wheeler dumper used in the attack carried 600-kilogram’s of RDX and TNT explosives, along with splinters, mortars, artillery rounds, mines and aluminum powder – which caused the fire. He denied media reports that the hotel was not the intended target. 53 people, including four foreigners, had been killed in the attack and 266, including 13 foreigners, had been injured, Malik added further.
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September - 21 
The federal government says it will intensify operations in FATA, with more security personnel set to be committed to the fight for a large operation which is to begin sometime in the next 48 hours, reports The News .Speaking to Geo News, Interior Ministry officials said that the operation in Swat,
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The federal government says it will intensify operations in FATA, with more security personnel set to be committed to the fight for a large operation which is to begin sometime in the next 48 hours, reports The News .Speaking to Geo News, Interior Ministry officials said that the operation in Swat, Bajaur and other tribal agencies will continue. After a brief consultation between the prime minister, the adviser on interior and other security officials, it was decided not to show any sign of weakness in the operation against the militants. The intensity of the crackdown against the banned organizations will be increased.
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September - 26 
The situation in Bajaur Agency will be stabilised within two months, the Frontier Corps (FC) chief in the region said on September 26, according to Daily Times. "My timeframe for Bajaur is anything from between one-and-a-half to two months to bring about stability," FC Inspector General Maj Gen Tari
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The situation in Bajaur Agency will be stabilised within two months, the Frontier Corps (FC) chief in the region said on September 26, according to Daily Times. "My timeframe for Bajaur is anything from between one-and-a-half to two months to bring about stability," FC Inspector General Maj Gen Tariq Khan told reporters. He informed that the troops had killed more than 1,000 Taliban and injured 2,000 others since the offensive began in early August and that five top al Qaeda and Taliban commanders were among those killed in the month-long operation. He said they included four foreigners. They were Egyptian Abu Saeed Al-Masri, Arab Abu Suleiman, Uzbek Mullah Mansoor, and an Afghan commander called Manaras. The fifth was a son of Faqir Mohammad, the top Taliban commander in the region. Faqir himself was believed to be injured. Some 63 troops had died and 212 were injured in the operation so far, Khan further said. Khan estimated 65 percent of the Taliban problem would be eliminated if they were defeated in Bajaur, describing the region as a ‘centre of gravity’ for the Taliban. "If they lose here, they’ve lost almost everything," he said. Khan also showed reporters photos of tunnel systems and trenches, suggesting the Taliban were well established in the region that is considered a likely hiding place for top al Qaeda leaders including Osama Bin Laden. He put the Taliban’s strength at around 2,000, including Afghans, Uzbeks and Arabs as well as Pakistani Taliban. He said the Taliban’s fighting strength had not gone down appreciably despite heavy casualties due to reinforcements coming in from the northwest as well as Afghanistan. "I personally feel that trained squads have been moved in," Khan said.
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October - 6 
A press release by the FATA Secretariat’s media cell said tribal elders from the Khyber, Bajaur, Mohmand and Orakzai agencies and the Frontier Regions had assured the government of support against the Taliban in separate jirgas. The Salarzai, Mamoond and Utman Khel tribes of Bajaur Agency, Mullagori
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A press release by the FATA Secretariat’s media cell said tribal elders from the Khyber, Bajaur, Mohmand and Orakzai agencies and the Frontier Regions had assured the government of support against the Taliban in separate jirgas. The Salarzai, Mamoond and Utman Khel tribes of Bajaur Agency, Mullagori, Zakha Khel and Adam Khel Afridis of Khyber Agency and the Kohat Frontier Region, and the Ali Khel tribe of Orakzai Agency had formed lashkars against the Taliban, the statement said. The Koki Khel tribe in Khyber Agency however declined to form a militia against the Taliban. Its head, Attaullah Jan Koki Khel, told a jirga raising militias was ‘American policy’.
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October - 11 
The ISAF said in a statement that its troops in Afghanistan had killed five Taliban inside Pakistan, adding the Pakistani military had confirmed the killing of five Taliban. The ISAF statement said its troops located three Taliban militants preparing for a rocket attack, and killed them on the Pakis
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The ISAF said in a statement that its troops in Afghanistan had killed five Taliban inside Pakistan, adding the Pakistani military had confirmed the killing of five Taliban. The ISAF statement said its troops located three Taliban militants preparing for a rocket attack, and killed them on the Pakistani side of the border. Within an hour of the first attack, another group of the Taliban militants was found preparing an attack on a nearby Pakistan security post, the statement said, adding they were killed by artillery fire.
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October - 16 
Daily Times reports that a suspected US drone fired two missiles on October 16 into South Waziristan, killing five people, including at least one foreigner, security officials said. "Two missiles were fired, completely destroying the house. Reports confirm five dead," an unnamed security official to
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Daily Times reports that a suspected US drone fired two missiles on October 16 into South Waziristan, killing five people, including at least one foreigner, security officials said. "Two missiles were fired, completely destroying the house. Reports confirm five dead," an unnamed security official told AFP. There was no immediate confirmation of the strike from the Pakistani military or from the US-led coalition in neighbouring Afghanistan. Two Pakistani intelligence officials told the Associated Press that reports from informants and field agents suggested that one foreign member of the Taliban died in the attack and that another foreigner was injured. Asked if any Al Qaeda leaders had been hit, the officials said that while Arabs had been living in the house, the identities of the victims were not yet clear. They said the Taliban had frequented the house in a remote, forested area, since its owner fled the tribal region last year. Another intelligence agency official told Reuters five militants had been killed. "Guests were staying there," said a second official. The term is commonly used to refer to foreign militants. Witnesses told NNI the area is controlled by Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud.
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October - 16 
The insurgency based in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) is intensifying, a soon-to-be completed US intelligence assessment says, according to Daily Times. A US official who participated in drafting the top-secret report told McClatchy it portrays the situation in Pakistan as ‘v
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The insurgency based in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) is intensifying, a soon-to-be completed US intelligence assessment says, according to Daily Times. A US official who participated in drafting the top-secret report told McClatchy it portrays the situation in Pakistan as ‘very bad’. Another official called the draft ‘very bleak’, and said it describes Pakistan as being ‘on the edge’. The first official summarised the estimate's conclusions about the state of Pakistan as: "no money, no energy, no government". The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Pakistan says the Pakistani military is reluctant to launch an all-out campaign against the Taliban in part because of popular opposition to continuing the co-operation with the US. The aim of the assessment — seven years after the US sent troops into Afghanistan — is to determine whether a US presence in the region can be effective and if so, what should the US strategy be. About the only good news in the Pakistan NIE is that it is ‘relatively sanguine' about the prospects of a Pakistani nuclear weapon, materials or knowledge falling into the hands of the Taliban, said one official. However, the draft NIE paints a grim picture of the situation in Pakistan. Anti-US and anti-government sentiments have grown recently, stoked by stepped-up cross-border US missile strikes and at least one commando raid on suspected Taliban targets in FATA that reportedly have resulted in civilian deaths.
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October - 21 
The Awami National Party (ANP) asked the militants to directly approach the Government if they were ‘sincere’ in talks for establishment of peace and give up issuing press statements, Dawn reported. "They are welcome for dialogues. They must approach us if they are really sincere in talking peace,"
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The Awami National Party (ANP) asked the militants to directly approach the Government if they were ‘sincere’ in talks for establishment of peace and give up issuing press statements, Dawn reported. "They are welcome for dialogues. They must approach us if they are really sincere in talking peace," ANP provincial president Afrasiab Khattak told reporters on October 21. "They aren’t sincere in talks for peace but want to get the sympathies of the people by issuing statements wherein they offer talks for peace," said Khattak. Establishment of peace was of prime significance in the region, he said, adding that the sanctuaries of militants inside the FATA had volcanic effects on both sides of the border in Pakistan and Afghanistan. "The militants’ attempts to set up a parallel government could not be materialised and the elected government would spare no effort to defend the lives and properties of the people," he warned.
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October - 25 
The security forces have killed 1,500 Taliban militants during the Bajaur operation so far and regained complete control of strategic towns including Loyesam, military officials said at a media briefing. 95 civilians and 73 troops were also killed during the operation codenamed “Sherdill”, Frontier
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The security forces have killed 1,500 Taliban militants during the Bajaur operation so far and regained complete control of strategic towns including Loyesam, military officials said at a media briefing. 95 civilians and 73 troops were also killed during the operation codenamed “Sherdill”, Frontier Corps Inspector General Maj Gen Tariq Khan and ISPR Director General Maj Gen Athar Abbas told reporters. They said 950 Taliban militants had also been arrested during the operation that began in August, 2008, including 300 foreign terrorists mainly from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Soldiers fought a fierce battle with the well-prepared Taliban militants battling hard from networks of tunnels and fortified compounds especially in the Tang Khata, Rashkai, Khazana and Loyesam, they said. “No other agency has been prepared for a battle like this,” Gen Tariq Khan said. “The worst is over . . . I think we’ve turned the corner.” But he added that the operation “could go for several months before the area is completely cleared of militants”. Gen Athar Abbas said Taliban had set up a ‘parallel system of administration’ in the Mamund, Charmang and Salarzai tehsils (revenue division). He said they were attacking security forces, had set up parallel courts beheading people in public, granting business licences and collecting taxes. They had killed 12 tribal elders in 2008 by August.
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October - 31 
The security forces claimed to have captured a strategically important mountain in Dabar area of the Mamond tehsil, which militants previously used for targeting the security forces. An official of the security forces said they demolished several bunkers in the mountain. The volunteers of the Mamond
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The security forces claimed to have captured a strategically important mountain in Dabar area of the Mamond tehsil, which militants previously used for targeting the security forces. An official of the security forces said they demolished several bunkers in the mountain. The volunteers of the Mamond tribal lashkar (militia) captured the headquarters of the militants in Sewai area of the Mamond tehsil and deployed several of their colleagues there. They also arrested four important commanders of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
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October - 31 
The spokesperson for the TTP, Maulvi Omer, said their offer of negotiations with the government was still valid, while the security forces continued shelling towards the hideouts of militants in Sheenkot and Mandal areas of the Khar tehsil. Maulvi Omer, talking to reporters by telephone for the firs
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The spokesperson for the TTP, Maulvi Omer, said their offer of negotiations with the government was still valid, while the security forces continued shelling towards the hideouts of militants in Sheenkot and Mandal areas of the Khar tehsil. Maulvi Omer, talking to reporters by telephone for the first time since the start of the operation in August, once again offered the government to settle the dispute through negotiations. "We will not refuse to talk to the government," Omer said, adding that the use of force was no solution to the dispute. Omer said the TTP had not offered resistance to the security forces in Mamond tehsil, one of the strongholds of militants in the Bajaur Agency.
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November - 3 
In Khar, the agency headquarters, a grand jirga (council) of tribal elders decided to take strict action against those found involved in anti-State activities. They said the houses of those found sheltering the Taliban would be set ablaze and they would be expelled from the area. The jirga decided t
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In Khar, the agency headquarters, a grand jirga (council) of tribal elders decided to take strict action against those found involved in anti-State activities. They said the houses of those found sheltering the Taliban would be set ablaze and they would be expelled from the area. The jirga decided to impose a fine of PKR Two million on those who sheltered the Taliban in their areas. The jirga members assured the government of their full co-operation, and said they would fight alongside the SFs for restoration of peace in the agency. The jirga members expressed satisfaction over the restoration of the government’s writ in many areas of Salarzai tehsil. They asked the tribesmen to continue co-operation with the government to ensure lasting peace in the agency.
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November - 4 
Lashkar of Barozai tribe in Ward Mamond also continued its drive against militants, reported Dawn. The chief of lashkar, Haji Rahmatullah, told journalists that more than 12 villages had been cleared of the militants during the past few weeks. He said most of the militants were either killed or inju
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Lashkar of Barozai tribe in Ward Mamond also continued its drive against militants, reported Dawn. The chief of lashkar, Haji Rahmatullah, told journalists that more than 12 villages had been cleared of the militants during the past few weeks. He said most of the militants were either killed or injured during the drive, adding that the remaining fled to mountainous areas along with Afghan border. He said that tribal forces would continue to chase the militants till their complete elimination from the tribal region. He said that movement of militants had been confined to some of their hideouts after the lashkar established check posts being manned by volunteers.
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November - 5 
Tension gripped Mohmand Agency on November 5 after tribesmen interpreted an appeal by the government to expel militants and vacate houses as an indication of an impending military action. An exodus started from Anbar subdivision and people headed towards Peshawar, Mardan and other areas. The authori
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Tension gripped Mohmand Agency on November 5 after tribesmen interpreted an appeal by the government to expel militants and vacate houses as an indication of an impending military action. An exodus started from Anbar subdivision and people headed towards Peshawar, Mardan and other areas. The authorities dropped pamphlets from planes in parts of the area adjacent to Peshawar on November 4, seeking local people’s support against pro-Taliban militants. "The government has banned the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its leadership has been declared proclaimed offender. Its leaders are receiving funds, weapons and other incentives from non-Muslims and anti-Pakistan states for their activities," the pamphlet said. "They are not Mujahideen and they spread militancy. They are involved in killing innocent people." It urged the tribesmen to follow the example of their kindred in Bajaur, Darra Adamkhel and Orakzai and raise a lashkar (militia) against militants. Sources said militants had established their hold in three of the five subdivisions of Mohmand — Lakaro, Pendiali and Anbar. They had also set up parallel courts in the areas. A curfew has been in place in the region for the past 10 days. All government offices and educational institutions have been closed. The main road between Mohmand and Bajaur has been closed, causing shortage of food in several areas. Local people complained that hospitals were facing a shortage of doctors and paramedics and patients could not be taken to Peshawar because the road had been blocked.
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November - 5 
The troops also said that a grand lashkar (militia) of the Salarzai tribe would launch an operation against the Taliban and their supporters in the area on November 5 (today).
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The troops also said that a grand lashkar (militia) of the Salarzai tribe would launch an operation against the Taliban and their supporters in the area on November 5 (today).
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November - 7 
Latifur Rehman, a senior government official in the region, told Reuters the missiles hit a 'militant' compound. "It was an accurate strike and the compound has been destroyed," Rehman said.
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Latifur Rehman, a senior government official in the region, told Reuters the missiles hit a 'militant' compound. "It was an accurate strike and the compound has been destroyed," Rehman said.
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November - 9 
Locals said tribesmen had stepped up efforts for the restoration of peace in the Tribal Areas, with two separate jirgas (councils) of the Salarzai and Mamoond tribes called to make plans to flush out the Taliban. Also, the political administration has warned Afghan refugees to stay clear of the area
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Locals said tribesmen had stepped up efforts for the restoration of peace in the Tribal Areas, with two separate jirgas (councils) of the Salarzai and Mamoond tribes called to make plans to flush out the Taliban. Also, the political administration has warned Afghan refugees to stay clear of the area, and notes have been distributed telling the locals not to shelter Afghan refugees.
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November - 11 
Officials said the political administration arrested eight suspects during a crackdown.
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Officials said the political administration arrested eight suspects during a crackdown.
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November - 13 
Daily Times reports that on November 13 the Mohmand agency political administration warned the tribes Mohmand tribes of imminent military operation if they did not sever ties with local and foreign Taliban. Pamphlets printed in Urdu language were distributed to the people. “We inform the people of M
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Daily Times reports that on November 13 the Mohmand agency political administration warned the tribes Mohmand tribes of imminent military operation if they did not sever ties with local and foreign Taliban. Pamphlets printed in Urdu language were distributed to the people. “We inform the people of Mohmand Agency that the (outlawed) Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has attacked Islam and Pakistan by killing innocent Muslims. The TTP has [hurt the cause of] Islam more than ever before,” the pamphlet read. It further said, “We warn the Mohmand tribes to sever ties with Tehreek-e-Taliban’s Abdul Wali group as the government is planning action against the group.” “Get all elements of Abdul Wali group out of your homes, otherwise they will be targeted by helicopters and jet bombers”, it added. The report further said that almost 50 percent of the population in Machni area have left their homes following a troop build-up in the area close to Mohmand Agency. Separately, Dawn reports that the Taliban were regrouping in the Mohmand agency after they suffered heavy losses in the Bajaur agency.
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November - 19 
The Mamond and Salarzai tribes are reported to have announced complete support to the ongoing military operation to flush out the militants from Bajaur and establish the writ of the Government in the agency.
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The Mamond and Salarzai tribes are reported to have announced complete support to the ongoing military operation to flush out the militants from Bajaur and establish the writ of the Government in the agency.
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November - 21 
The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) denied its involvement in the mosque attack in the Badan area of Mamond Tehsil (revenue division) of Bajaur Agency. Talking to The News from an undisclosed location by phone, TTP spokesman Maulvi Omar claimed: "Taliban cannot even think of committing such a
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The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) denied its involvement in the mosque attack in the Badan area of Mamond Tehsil (revenue division) of Bajaur Agency. Talking to The News from an undisclosed location by phone, TTP spokesman Maulvi Omar claimed: "Taliban cannot even think of committing such an act in the mosque as we do not believe in assault. The TTP is in favour of resolving issues through talks and Taliban have made an offer of talks but the Government does not respond."
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December - 18 
Large areas of Bajaur and Mohmand agencies have been cleared of ‘miscreants’ and complete Government control would be established in the two agencies by the end of December 2008, Frontier Corps Inspector General (IG) Major General Tariq Khan told President Asif Ali Zardari during a briefing on Decem
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Large areas of Bajaur and Mohmand agencies have been cleared of ‘miscreants’ and complete Government control would be established in the two agencies by the end of December 2008, Frontier Corps Inspector General (IG) Major General Tariq Khan told President Asif Ali Zardari during a briefing on December 18, Daily Times reported. “Large areas of Bajaur and Mohmand agencies have been cleared. The writ of the state will be restored by the end of this month, and both the agencies will come under complete control of the Government,” he said during the president’s meeting with representatives from FATA. Zardari met the tribal elders for the second day, as part of a series of consultations with politicians that an official statement said was meant to “assess the situation in FATA from the perspective of the elected tribal representatives and other stakeholders responsible for peace and security in the region”. Talking to the FATA representatives, the president said a special officer in the presidency would be deputed to liaise between tribal representatives and the state functionaries responsible for FATA affairs, including the governor, the interior adviser, the states and frontier regions minister, the chief secretary, and the Frontier Corps IG. He said that peace in FATA was the foremost priority of the Government, which was using all available resources to bring stability to the region.
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December - 19 
Bajaur Agency Political Agent, Shafirullah Khan, said that a cell to provide financial assistance to people affected by the military operations had been established in the Agency on the directives of the federal Government.
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Bajaur Agency Political Agent, Shafirullah Khan, said that a cell to provide financial assistance to people affected by the military operations had been established in the Agency on the directives of the federal Government.
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December - 22 
Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar claimed that no militant was killed or injured in the jet aircraft attack on their hideouts in Mamoond on December 21. Talking to journalists over telephone, Omar claimed those killed and injured were civilians.
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Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar claimed that no militant was killed or injured in the jet aircraft attack on their hideouts in Mamoond on December 21. Talking to journalists over telephone, Omar claimed those killed and injured were civilians.
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December - 26 
Meanwhile, the militants have welcomed the beginning of troops’ withdrawal from tribal areas. Maulvi Omar, a spokesman for the Tehrik-i-Taliban, told Dawn that his militia would not do anything to provide an excuse to the army to return to the region. Talking on phone from an unspecified location, h
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Meanwhile, the militants have welcomed the beginning of troops’ withdrawal from tribal areas. Maulvi Omar, a spokesman for the Tehrik-i-Taliban, told Dawn that his militia would not do anything to provide an excuse to the army to return to the region. Talking on phone from an unspecified location, he said: "It is our (Taliban’s) responsibility to protect the country’s western border and we will stop infiltrations into Afghanistan." He said the Taliban had already reduced their activities against Security Forces and would not launch any fresh attack. Omar claimed that back-channel negotiations with the Government were under way in Swat, Bajaur, Darra Adamkhel and Mohmand tribal region and said he was hopeful of a positive outcome.
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December - 26 
Pakistan is moving nearly 20,000 troops from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to Kasur and Sialkot amid reports of Indian troop movement and rising tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. An unnamed senior military official said the redeployed 14th Division would "counter any misadve
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Pakistan is moving nearly 20,000 troops from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to Kasur and Sialkot amid reports of Indian troop movement and rising tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. An unnamed senior military official said the redeployed 14th Division would "counter any misadventure by India". "The troops have been moved from the western border areas where the operation [against Taliban] is not going on. But this is a limited movement to reinforce our defence on the eastern border," the official told Daily Times. He said Pakistan Army had restricted the leaves of its troops and officers in view of the security situation. According to The News, two units of the Pakistan Army have been gradually withdrawn from the Lower Dir district bordering the Bajaur Agency and Afghanistan’s Kunar province while troops have also been pulled out of South Waziristan. The troops withdrawn from Lower Dir were not involved in any military operations and had reportedly been deployed there for back-up support. Official sources said some of the troops pulled out of the FATA were based in snow-bound areas where no fighting could take place at this time of the year. However, military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas declined to comment on these reports. Military sources told The News in Peshawar that the Government had quietly started withdrawal of troops from the tribal regions and the settled districts. Residents in Wana, headquarters of South Waziristan, saw a big convoy of the Pakistan Army comprising several trucks and heavy ammunition leaving the region for down country. People in Tank district also reportedly saw heavy military trucks carrying the troops towards Dera Ismail Khan. Further, "The 17th Division of Pakistan Army which was carrying out operation against the militants in Swat has also been pulled out and replaced by the 37th Division," disclosed a senior military officer. However, the officer said that keeping in view sensitivity of Pakistan’s western frontier with Afghanistan, troops of 11th Corps would remain there for safeguarding this strategic border of the country. There were also reports that the Government has dropped the plan of launching a major military operation against the militants in Khyber Agency, involved in attacks on NATO supplies. Reports said the operation was postponed due to tense situation with India. However, a military officer said there was no such plan in Khyber Agency.
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December - 30 
Pakistan on December 30 suspended supplies to more than 65,000 NATO and United States troops in Afghanistan when Security Forces imposed curfew in and around Jamrud tehsil (revenue division) of Khyber Agency to initiate a military operation against the Taliban, Daily Times reported. Two militants we
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Pakistan on December 30 suspended supplies to more than 65,000 NATO and United States troops in Afghanistan when Security Forces imposed curfew in and around Jamrud tehsil (revenue division) of Khyber Agency to initiate a military operation against the Taliban, Daily Times reported. Two militants were among five people killed on December 30 in the joint operation by military and paramilitary forces. "We have launched crackdown against people creating disturbances, and army, paramilitary and levy force is jointly conducting the operation," Khyber Chief Administrator Tariq Hayat told reporters in Peshawar. Hayat also said the operation was targeting six Taliban-linked organizations. "This operation will continue as long as all targets are achieved," he stated. According to him, the operation was aimed at putting a stop to both attacks on NATO supply vehicles and a spate of kidnappings for ransom in the FATA, where the Taliban and al Qaeda are active. Troops had already seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition in a raid on a warehouse in Jamrud, Hayat said, adding that a complete curfew had been imposed on the area, with paramilitary troops patrolling the streets. The early-dawn operation followed recent Taliban activities, which attempted to cut off supply lines to international forces in Afghanistan and threatened Peshawar’s security. "Helicopter gunships pounded suspected hideouts of the Taliban and their local facilitators while ground forces with tanks and heavy artillery provided backup," residents of Jamrud told Daily Times. Troops shelled Taliban strongholds in the Ghundi, Sakhipul, Tedi bazaar, Shah Zaman Kalay and Ghuriza areas of Jamrud. "Five people were killed," political administration officials said, but did not provide details. Local residents said three civilians, including a child, were killed in an area close to Tedi bazaar and Ghuriza by the shelling. Local residents said the militants put up little resistance to the operation. "There was some resistance by members of an organisation, but there was no resistance at all by the militants who appear to have left the area much earlier than the operation started," the residents said. Reuters reported NATO spokesman in Kabul Captain Mark Windsor as saying that the supply blockade "will not have a major impact, for it is temporary and we have stocks and supplies. Overall, it will be a good thing."
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