Pakistan forces take the high ground, destroy bunkers

Dawn:

Security forces gained some ground as they advanced to clear heights surrounding Kotkai, the home town of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud and his deputy Qari Hussain.

An official told Dawn that the security forces were clearing surrounding heights and caves after securing Tor Ghundai, east of Kotkai.

He said it could be a long haul as stiff resistance was being faced from militants hiding in caves and fortified positions in the mountains. ‘We are going ahead step by step to achieve the desired results.’

He said the heights around Kotkai would be cleared before the forces moved in to take control of the town. The forces will advance on Sararogha, another stronghold of militants, after Kotkai.

The official said the Sararogha-Laddah-Makin triangle was the heart of the territory controlled by slain TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud.

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After securing Malik Shahi, the security forces were undertaking a clearance operation up to Mizo-Wam.

A checkpoint was set up in Manzai Kili, west of Mandanna. The forces were strengthening their positions around Spinkai.

On the Shakai-Laddah axis, the security forces made good progress and cleared Khaisura village linking up with the Tiarza fort. At least eight terrorists were killed.

The official said a strong defence line set up by Uzbek militants in the form of concrete bunkers had been destroyed. Many houses in the village had been converted into bunkers and heavily fortified bunkers with two-metre thick concrete walls were discovered.

Security forces were conducting a search and clearance operation in Sherwangi and surrounding areas along with consolidation in Wuzi Sar and Gurgura Sar. One soldier died and three others were injured in a clash.

During search of houses of Uzbeks around Sher Wangi, 105 bottles of liquor were found. The house had been converted into bunkers.

A large quantity of arms and ammunition were also found. Sketchy reports from the area suggested that several militants were killed in bombing by jet fighters and artillery shelling. Soldiers were also hit in gunfights and by explosions of improvised explosive devices.

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There is more.

Some of the bunkers sound pretty formidable but they have not been that effective. The story does not provide details on how the Pakistani forces overcame them. You do get a sense of the tactical approach to taking control of the area. Seizing the high ground before going into the city makes some sense and deprives the enemy of the ability to besiege the operation to take the city.

Elsewhere in Pakistan gunmen on motor bikes assassinated a general who was head of the UN peace mission in Sudan.