Arms reaching militants from Afghanistan: DG ISPR

CNews RAWALPINDI: On the third day of anti‑militant operation being carried out jointly by FC and Pakistan Army, more areas in Buner have been got evacuated from the militants while life is returning to normalcy in Deer, top army spokesman said here Thursday.Addressing a media conference, Director General ISPR Major General Athar Abbas said a large number of militants have been killed during the operation in Buner as so far 14 militants have been reported killed.He said that four of the two explosive laden vehicles approaching towards troops were targeted and destroyed in Deer while the other two fled from the scene causing no damage to the troops. FC has established its Headquarter at Daggar, he informed.“People of Deer area have been fully backing the troops and have taken a sigh of relief where the situation is well in control,” he said.He said the troops in Buner re‑launched operation in the early hours on Thursday and regained the control of Balandari Pass and Ambala heights after facing a strong resistance from the militants.Meanwhile, he said, the militants attacked post in Jawari Pass area and were given an exemplary response whereby killing four militants while rest others fled from the scene. During the cross fire with the attackers, he said, one FC personnel received wounds.He said the Daggar area is also being swooped to get full control besides ensuring that no militant is in control of any area.He said that on Wednesday late the militants set the Pir Baba Police station ablaze. Militants are present in high number in Sultan Pass and Pir Baba Ziarat areas, he said. He said that the operation was at slower pace due to the laying of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the area.Giving update on situation in Swat, he said that the government and security forces have been exercising maximum restraint despite clear violations of the peace deal by Taliban.Major Gen Athar Abbas said Taliban are carrying out armed patrolling besides setting up of check posts, kidnapping for ransom, killing and damaging the private properties, in clear violation of the peace deal.He said despite all odds the government has been sincerely working for implementation of the peace deal in letter and spirit to achieve peace by avoiding any colossal damage to life and property.Answering a question, he said that the government had already condemned and rejected the “drone attack policy”. “It hurts more than it helps,” he said.He dispelled the impression that the ammunition available with the militants could harm the fighter aircraft. However he said the helicopters used for engaging militants were fired upon. He disclosed that weapons were reaching militants through Afghanistan.In reply to another question he said, “We need to have modern gadgets and weaponry to effectively deal with the militants.” The list of demand includes, he said, fast moving helicopters, surveillance aircraft, better Night Vision Devices, and attack helicopters.