Twilight of Terrorism in Pakistan
This article shows the major actions taken by Pakistan Army, to fight against terrorism and future prospects.
Major Operations
Pakistan Army planned to launch two major offensives to neutralize both the terrorists’ stronghold areas.
Operation Rah e Raast commenced on 19 June 09 in Swat valley. Army successfully defeated the terrorists and within a span of two months the IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) returned to their homes because 95% of area was cleared/secured by Army in Swat valley by August/September. Pocket resistances are however, likely to continue for a period of 3-6 months.
The terminal operation Rah e Nijat was launched in Waziristan on Oct 17. This is the major phase of the operation where Army launched a three pronged offensive to dilute the resistance and to clear the area in minimum possible time.
Synopsis
The recent upsurge of terrorists’ acts in the settled areas is basically perceived to be the twilight of Alqaeda/Talibans. Such an upsurge was also seen before launching of first operation (Rah e Raast) but this time they are much more prepared. This threat scenario in the settled areas is likely to be neutralized within next 2-4 weeks.
Operation Rah e Nijat is the difficult operation and Army is likely to take 3-4 months in taking control of the area and flushing out the terrorists before the IDPs could return to their homes. The liquidation may take another span of 3-6 months.
The Army will maintain presence in the troubled area for a period of 1-2 years. It is also likely that 1-2 permanent cantonments are made in Swat valley.
The eternal peace is however, subject to the situation in Afghanistan. After assuming complete control of the troubled areas by Pakistan Army, the occasional terrorists’ acts may still continue to take place in settled areas during next 2-3 years.
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