Operation Rah-e-Nejat in Pakistan

The Operation Rah-e Nejat in South Waziristan against militants and terrorists that was put into motion in 2009 continue. The growing activities of militants forced the political leadership to use the Pakistan Army against militants and terrorists. The extension of militant activities into other parts of Pakistan such as South Punjab and Sindh (Karachi) clearly alarmed Islamabad. The political and military establishments perceived this as a threat to country’s existence. The Operation Rah-e Nejat was launched in South Waziristan to curb their activities as Operation Rah-e-Haq did in the Swat Valley in April 2009. The US and other countries have applauded the success of Operation Rah-e Nejat in South Waziristan.

The three previous operations in South Waziristan — in 2004, 2005 and early 2008 — all ended up with the government suing for peace. The  operation is not easy for many reasons. First, unlike in the Swat Valley, the terrain of South Waziristan is far more difficult. Second, South Waziristan has been allowed to become a haven for various Taliban and al-Qaeda groups. The Pakistani establishment considered these groups as an asset till they started to target the state itself. Once they started to attack the security forces and establishment, they were considered as threat to Pakistan’s security. Third, the militants and the tribals are intertwined with each other — these are not outsiders (with the exception of some Uzbek fighters). Fourth, the Pakistan Army is trained to fight a regular, conventional war and not a guerrilla war. Finally, difficulties arise since the Pakistan Army is being asked to fight its own people.

The military took three months to prepare for the commencement of operations and put in place 28,000 troops and enforced a blockade that forced thousands of people to flee their homes for safety. Thousands of soldiers, backed by tanks and heavy artillery, were moved out of Razmak on October 15 and 16, 2009 in the build-up to the South Waziristan operation. Finally, the Operation Rah-e Nejat was launched on October 18, 2009. The army, the air force and paramilitary forces continue their actions in other tribal areas including Orakzai, Khurram and Khyber. Like other operations, Operation Rah-e Nejat has weakened the Taliban and other militant groups. The operation have been able to dislodge the TTP from its strongholds in South Waziristan. The TTP resorted to suicide bombings in various cities in October-December 2009 in order to deflect the military’s pressure on the tribal areas. The city of Peshawar has been the main target of terrorist attacks since October 2009. The army/air force’s counter-terrorism operations have enabled the military to regain some of its reputation.

The military operations, Rah-e-Haq followed by Rah-e-Nijat, did prove successful and created panic among the Taliban and al-Qaeda forces. They retaliated with killings of women and children, old and infirm, while especially targeting military personnel, premises and installations. The month of October proved to be singularly destructive of innocent lives. The international community is worried on the growing activities of the militants and killing of innocent people.

Security threats to Pakistan are acknowledged by the EU, the US, and others. Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on January 11, 2010 that operations in South Waziristan is very challenging for Pakistan Army. Senator Carl Levin, Chairman of the US Armed Services Committee has praised Pakistan’s role as the frontline in the war on terror and success achieved by its armed forces in South Waziristan during his visit to Islamabad on January 11, 2010. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband during his visit to Islamabad on January 10, 2010 stressed on Afghanistan’s security and linked its security with Pakistan. He said that “security, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan depend on security, stability and prosperity in Pakistan.”

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said on December 26, 2009 that PAF is always ready to protect nation against internal and external threats. In his address to air force officials, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar said, "PAF is proud of its airmen involved in discharging their duties in Operation Rah-e-Nejat". He appreciated the high state of morale and motivation of all personnel and showed his satisfaction on the results achieved by them in the operations. He said that PAF is continuing to support Pakistan Army in South Waziristan and other agencies of FATA to eliminate the terrorists from the area by striking the targets identified by army.

The military spokesman, Maj Gen Athar Abbas, claimed on January 1, 2010 that militants had been flushed out of South Waziristan and their hideouts destroyed.
Pakistan military claims that security forces have killed around 650 militants during Operation Rah-e Nejat over the past three months in South Waziristan. The huge destruction and loss of lives will curb the activities of militants.

Developments in Pakistan suggest that the political and military leadership have developed unanimity in tackling militancy and terrorism. Public opinion is also in favour of military action against the militant groups. The military has received support from all sections of society in tackling militancy and terrorism. It suggests the changing relationship between the establishment and terrorist groups.

The Operation Rah-e Nejat will have far-reaching implications for Pakistan itself and the region as a whole. The operation against militants and terrorists will destroy their organisations and assets and demoralise them. The military action will curb the terrorist activities in Pakistan and other parts of the region. The destruction of terrorist organisations and assets will check their activities consequently ease some pressures on Pakistan’s security forces.

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the views either of the Editorial Committee or the Centre for Land Warfare Studies).