FATA Timeline - 2014

January 6

At least nine persons, including three suspected militants and three children, were killed and several others were wounded in a bomb blast targeting the house of tribal elder Hakeem Khan Akakhel in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency.

A passerby, identified as Hussain Turi, was injured in roadside bomb explosion in Pewar area of Kurram Agency in FATA. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least seven people were injured in an explosion in Sadda Bazaar of lower Kurram Agency.

At least 10 militants and three SFs were killed when militants attacked Green Ridge check post in Ladha subdivision South Waziristan Agency. The military claimed "inflicting heavy casualties to the militants."

At least two volunteers of Amn committee lost their lives in a bomb blast in Zakhakhel Bazaar of Landi Kotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. Sources said the volunteers, whose identity could not be ascertained, were killed when a planted explosive device went off in the area. The explosion also damaged nearby shops.

A Khasadar Force personnel killed while two others injured in a bomb blast near the vehicle of Khasadar Force in Zakhakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

A bomb planted by unidentified militants at an unpaved road to target FC troopers supplying rations at check posts went off in the Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency. No loss of life was reported.

Two FC officials were injured when an IED went off at a roadside in the Ghari Gal area of Mamond tehsil in the Bajaur Agency of FATA. Political administration official from Mamond, Abdul Haseeb Khan, said he was informed by a tribesman around 12:30pm about a canister spotted on the roadside in Ghari Gal area of Mamond. Consequently, FC officials rushed to the site along with a BDS unit and defused the five-kilogramme explosive device. The official added that while the bomb was being defused, another IED planted nearby was detonated by militants through a remote control, injuring two FC officials while destroying their vehicle completely.

Army helicopters pounded several militant hideouts in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA killing at least 24 persons and injuring 15 others. Fear and panic gripped the area after the overnight blitz after which locals began to migrate out of the volatile area to safer places.

At least 12 suspected militants were killed when fighter jets bombed their hideouts in the Inzar Kor area of Kukikhel in Khyber Agency of FATA. A security official claimed that four militant hideouts were flattened in the blitz.

SFs claimed to have killed about 32 militants in Tora Waila, Darota area of Kukikhel in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Unconfirmed reports said that the 'chief' of the TTP Orakzai Chapter, Hafiz Saeed, was among those killed in the strikes.

Security officials on January 22 confirmed that the leader of the TTP's Supreme Shura, Asmat Shaheen Bittani, and 'master trainer' of suicide bombers, Wali Mohammad, as well as dozens of foreign fighters were amongst those killed in air strikes in NWA on the night of January 20, 2014. A senior security official said that that most of those killed in the offensive were foreign fighters, including 33 Uzbeks and 3 Germans.

Soon after the military operation Maulana Sami-ul-Haq who has close ties to the Taliban said that he would no longer act as a government-backed peace broker with the militants after airstrikes killed 40 people in a tribal District. "The Government does not seem serious and concerned. I had requested them to avoid a military operation and use of force but yesterday it started bombing in North Waziristan and tribal areas," Haq, who is also chief of his own faction of the religious JUI-S party, said in a statement. "Both sides (Taliban and government) are in a state of war. Innocent citizens and soldiers are dying," he said in the statement.

A cleric, identified as Maulana Qazi Azizullah Athar, was shot dead in front of Committee Bagh near DHQ Hospital in FR Tank.

Thousands of people have fled their homes in North Waziristan Agency of FATA fearing a military offensive against Taliban insurgents is imminent, residents and officials said. Residents said some 1,500 families or about 13,000 people left their villages around the towns of Mir Ali and Miranshah, to migrate to relatively safe areas outside the tribal areas in Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Peshawar. The exodus began last week when Pakistan Air Force fighter jets bombarded the area following a series of militant attacks on Security Forces and civilians which killed more than 100 people in a week. "Around 1,500 families and up to 13,000 people have left several villages in North Waziristan," Rafiullah, 25, a resident of Mosaki village in Mir Ali told by phone. "People are unable to find houses to go in Bannu, so many women, children and old men are lying out in the open. Many others have gone to Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan Districts to find some shelter," he said.

A woman was killed and her two daughters were injured when two landmine explosions occurred in the Sarsarang area of Upper Kurram Agency of FATA.

Thousands of villagers have fled their homes in North Waziristan Agency, fearing a major military operation by armed forces after they said dozens of people had been killed in air strikes targeting Taliban militants on January 21, 2014. Fearing another offensive by armed forces, a wave of refugees left the region to take shelter in schools, private homes and veterinary clinics in areas FR Bannu and FR Dera Ismail Khan on the edge of the tribal belt. A senior official in Bannu said 23,000 refugees had fled to the town.

PM Nawaz Sharif during a meeting with COAS General Raheel Sharif said that no decision on launching an offensive in NWA FATA would be taken without consensus of all stakeholders and any such decision would be taken in the best national interest. Sources said the Prime Minister exchanged views with the COAS on matters of national security, future course of action over dialogue with the Taliban, Karachi operation, missing persons and other issues.

JUI-S chief Maulana Sami-ul-Haq opposed a military operation against the Taliban and said the government "does not seem serious for dialogue with the Taliban". A military operation never resolves problems but it multiplies them, he said. He said that dialogue with the Taliban was the only way to restore peace in the country, adding that Nawaz Sharif has apparently been stopped from holding talks with the TTP.

Two children were killed when a toy bomb they were playing with accidently exploded in the Zakhakhel Bazaar area of Landikotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Two children were killed when a mortar shell went off in Tabay area of Zakhakhel Bazaar in Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA.

The political administration during a search operation recovered four abducted persons, identified as Haji Sabz Ali, Syed Zaman, Rogh Muhammad and Qari Shad and arrested two alleged abductors in Prang Ghar area in Mohmand Agency.

A soldier of the FC, identified as Shana Gul, was shot dead by unidentified motorcyclists in Ghundi area in the Jamrud tehsil of the Khyber Agency in FATA in the night. The sources said that Shana Gul was going home after buying grocery from a local shop when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on him, leaving him dead.

Three soldiers were injured in a roadside blast at Kharsar area in Ladha subdivision in South Waziristan Agency. The sources said that a convoy of the SFs was on its way to Asman Manza when an explosive device planted by unidentified militants on the roadside at Kharsar went off and caused injuries to three soldiers.

No loss of life was reported in two roadside bomb attacks on the SFs' convoys in different parts of North Waziristan Agency. The sources said that unidentified miscreants had planted explosives along the roadside in Khar Qamar area in Dattakhel tehsil and another on the Miranshah-Dattakhel road. The explosives went off when the convoys of the SFs were passing through these areas.

The SFs also defused a roadside bomb in Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan Agency.

The political administration of Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency placed a ban on display of weapons in Jamrud Bazaar and directed tribesmen to form a committee to curb law and order. Addressing Kokikhel, Mullagori and Jhandakhel tribesmen at Jamrud Jirga Hall, Khyber Agency Political Agent Shahab Ali Shah said the ban is unprecedented in the tribal areas, but was a necessity as Government officials were relentlessly being targeted in the sub-division despite tribes' assurances of ensuring peace in their areas.

Two persons, identified as Syed Wajid Hussain and Syed Iftikhar Hussain, sustained injuries in a bomb blast in Ali Shari area of Kurram Agency in FATA.

A 12-year-old boy, identified as Syed Razi Shah, was injured in an explosion in Ali Shari area of Kurram Agency.

A local Taliban 'commander', Shafiq, and three of his bodyguards were killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on their vehicle on Miranshah-Mir Ali road in the Pir Kallay area of NWA in FATA. Further details regarding the incident were not available as the access of media in the region is restricted due to security worries and Government restrictions.

Four tribesmen were killed by unidentified militants in the Norak area of Mir Ali tehsil in NWA. An official of the political administration said the incident occurred around 6:30pm when four tribesmen, whose identity could not be ascertained, were sitting at a roadside near their houses in Norak.

A JeM militant, identified as Mast Gul, who escaped after Charari Sharief gunfight near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir in 1995, was seen with TTP militant at a press conference in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Not long after JeM 'chief' Maulana Masood Azhar addressed a rally in Muzaffarabad (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) by telephone, Mast Gul, surfaced at the press conference.

Six soldiers and one officer were injured in two acts of terrorism in the Dattakhel area of NWA in FATA. Sources said that an improvised explosive device exploded near a military truck in Dattakhel near Afghan border, injuring six soldiers. The truck, part of a convoy, was destroyed in the blast.

Three personnel of Khasadar Force escorting polio workers were injured when an improvised explosive device planted by suspected militants along a road went off in the Khugakhel area of Landi Kotal tehsil (revenue unit) in Khyber Agency. The Khasadar team later defused an explosive device in the same area.

Militants opened fire at a security picket in the Khar Kamar area of Dattakhel subdivision. One officer was injured.

Five persons were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a van near Dattakhel town in North Waziristan Agency in the night. According to reports, the five persons whose identity could not be ascertained were going to Shawal from Dattakhel when gunmen opened fire on their van near Dattakhel bazaar.

The TTP claimed to have killed 23 FC personnel kidnapped in June 14, 2010 from Shoonkri Post of Mohmand Agency in FATA. According to reports, the TTP Mohmand Agency 'spokesman', Omar Khurasani said that the kidnapped FC personnel were killed as revenge because the Government was continuously killing their men in different parts of the country, including Karachi, Peshawar and Swabi. He said if the Government does not stop killing the TTP supporters, they would also continue to kill Security Forces' personnel.

After the TTP claim, it was decided that the Government committee and TTP negotiators will not be meeting on February 17. Senior journalist Rahimullah Yousafzai, who is one of the members of the Government committee, said it was necessary to discuss the killings with the Government before the state committee meets TTP negotiators. TTP also confirmed that the meeting, which was scheduled to take place at 11am today, will not be held.

A soldier, Mehrab, was killed in an attack by unidentified militants on a SFs checkpost in Ladha area of South Waziristan Agency in the night around 11:00pm.

Six members of an anti-polio team were abducted by unidentified militants in the Pang area of the FR Tank in FATA. Assistant Political Agent, FR Tank, Khalid Mehmood Marwat, said the team, including Dr Khandad, in-charge of the Union Council Siddiqullah, driver Kalim, three Levies personnel, Lance Naik Daulat Khan, Sepoy Amanullah and Sepoy Minhas. He said the team members were kidnapped at 3 pm when they were on their way back after finishing the task.

An Army Major, Jahanzaib, and three militants were killed in an exchange of fire in FR Peshawar of FATA. "(The) exchange of fire continues," the ISPR said in a statement.

At least 35 militants were killed as fighter jets targeted suspected insurgent hideouts in Dattakhel, Shawal and Mir Ali tehsils (revenue unit) of the North Waziristan Agency of FATA. The bombardment comes a day after TTP said a ceasefire can be negotiated upon if the Army stopped targeting its members. Other military sources said that the militants involved in the Peshawar cinema blast (February 10) and killing of an Army officer (February 18) in frontier region Peshawar two days ago were targeted in their hideouts situated in Khyber Agency. In the second attack, around seven militants were killed. IED making factories and prepared explosives were also destroyed in the strikes.

After being convinced by the top Army leadership, PM Nawaz Sharif gave a go ahead for the airstrikes. High level civil military consultations continued for three days which culminated on these strikes. Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif and intelligence heads briefed the PM over rapid developments in the tribal areas and also shared images of militant hideouts procured through their own spy drones. Authorisation of the PM was sought for more strikes at other locations, which according to the sources has been granted.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Pervaiz Rasheed, on February 20 said the TTP in unequivocal terms commented "If you talk with us, we will respond with greater enthusiasm. But, if you would strike once, we would strike twice". Pervaiz Rasheed said in a statement, soon after the Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhary Nisar announced that PM Nawaz Sharif in consultation with the military leadership has linked the peace talks to a halt to the bloodshed.

Referring to the talks with the TTP, Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhary Nisar said, "Dialogue and violence cannot take place side by side. The military has been asked to retaliate in self-defence, which is their right. This [self-defence] is the right of the armed forces, which cannot be taken away from them," he said. Members of the government's peace committee were also consulted in this regard, the interior minister added. "We have burnt the midnight oil," he said, explaining how the Government had worked overtime on how to resolve the issue.

JeI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief and member of the TTP talks committee Mohammad Ibrahim on February 20 condemned the shelling in North Waziristan Agency and Khyber Agency and described it as an action against innocent citizens. In a statement issued by the JeI, he said that the air strikes would further complicate the situation, adding that the ultimate sufferers would be the innocent people because random firing and shelling could never prove useful for restoration of peace.

Earlier on February 19, TTP granted the authority to JUI-S Chief Maulana Samiul Haq decide on ceasefire between the Government and the TTP. Haq is heading the TTP intermediary committee. The JUI-S central information secretary said that if there was a consensus between the Government peace talks committee and Haq, then a ceasefire can be announced between the two sides.

At least 38 militants, including key commanders, were killed in early morning air strikes the Ghaibi Nika area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Six hideouts were also destroyed. Security sources said that fighter jets bombed the hideouts as well as landmine-making factories in the Ghaibi Nika area where mostly militants from LI group are based. Factories and several stockpiles of explosives were also destroyed in the blitz.

A Government official, Sadif Hussain Tori, a technician at a Government veterinary hospital, was abducted by unidentified militants from Alizai tehsil of Kurram Agency. Sadif Hussain Tori was on his way home when militants intercepted his vehicle and abducted him.

The residents near the Pak-Afghan border have started migrating to safer places in fear of a possible military operation in NWA. People from Seegi, Ghulam Khan, Mandi and Datta Khel tehsil are leaving their homes. People belonging to Mir Ali are also shifting to Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Karak and Peshawar of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to persisting fears of a widespread bloodshed between militants and Pakistan Army.

Amidst growing chatter of a military operation in NWA, security sources on February said the task of purging the area of all violent groups could be over in a "matter of weeks." "It would take the military four to six weeks to clear the agency of fighters," security sources said, insisting that it was not difficult for Pakistan Army to re-establish the writ of the Government in NWA. The officials also quashed the impression that the operation had only 40% chance of success, as claimed by some politicians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Asmatullah Shaheen Bhittani, a senior 'commander' of TTP and supporter of peace talks with the Government, was killed along with his three colleagues in Darga Mandi village near Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency. TTP sources said Asmatullah Shaheen was coming to Miranshah in a car along with three other militants when another vehicle coming from the border area with Afghanistan overtook them and armed men sitting in it opened fire from AK-47 (Kalashnikov) assault rifles at them.

Pakistani fighter jets and gunship helicopters bombarded hideouts of TTP militants in the North and South Waziristan Agencies FATA killing at least 30 militants. "The death toll from the air strikes has risen to 30," a security official told, updating the earlier death toll of 27. "Fifteen were killed in the South Waziristan side of the border, while 15 were killed in North Waziristan." The attacks were the fourth in a series of air strikes by the PAF since February 20.

The former administrator of Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Mir Ali was abducted from North Waziristan Agency of FATA while he was heading home in Hisokhel from work in the evening.

At least three militants were killed and three others were injured in an exchange of fire between security officials and militants in Shalobar area of Khyber Agency of FATA.

Several suspected militants were feared dead on morning when helicopter gunships attacked their hideouts in the mountainous area of Zarkani Luni and adjoining areas in FR Dera Ismail Khan bordering South Waziristan Agency. However, there was no formal confirmation of the shelling from the administration.

Promising minimum possible collateral damage, the Government said that surgical airstrikes against hideouts of militants will continue in FATA. No military operation was going on in FATA and only targeted action was being carried out.

About 20,000 people, mostly women and children, have been displaced during the Army operation against the TTP in North Waziristan Agency of FATA and the United Nations is ready to help them. UN Secretary General's Spokesman Martin Nesriky told reporters at a briefing.

12 Security Force personals (Khyber Khasadar Force), who were providing security to a polio team, were killed in two separate blasts in the Lashora area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. A child was also killed in the firing by the militants after the blasts.

In response to the militant attack on a polio team in the Lashora area of Jamrud tehsil in FATA which left at least 13 persons dead on March 1, Security Forces launched an assault on March 2-morning on militant hideouts in Kalanga and surrounding areas of Bara tehsil and killed five militants. Security sources confirmed that gunship helicopters struck the Ayubi Markaz of Mullah Tamanchey involved in the attack on polio workers.

Two SF personnel were killed and seven others were injured when a remote-controlled IED targeted a SFs' vehicle at Sadukhel area of Landi Kotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. According to sources, a convoy of FC personnel was travelling from Landi Kotal tehsil to Jamrud.

The members of eight tribes from Orakzai Agency held a Grand Jirga to welcome the announcement of a ceasefire from the TTP. They demanded the TTP should also include tribal elders in its negotiation committee. The jirga was led by tribal elder Malik Hafiz Habib Noor, Malik Jan and Malik Muhammad Rahman.

Two persons were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked four vehicles carrying NATO supplies for Afghanistan in the Jamrud area of Khyber Agency in FATA. "The four containers were on their way to Afghanistan when four gunmen riding two motorbikes opened fire at them in Jamrud, killing two helpers and wounding one driver and one helper," a senior local administration official, Jehangir Azam Wazir, said.

Two bullet riddle dead bodies in gunny sacks were recovered from the Shah Kas area in Jamrud tehsil.

Al Qaeda continues to operate from FATA, Commander of the USCentral Command General Lloyd J. Austin said on March 6 in his testimony before House Armed Services Committee while adding that the long-lasting tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir are a threat to regional stability. "Long-standing tensions between Pakistan and India also threaten regional stability as both states have substantial military forces arrayed along their borders and the disputed Kashmir LoC," General Austin said.

He said that the US faced a host of challenges in Pakistan that have long hindered the efforts of the Pakistan Government to fight terrorism and America's ability to provide needed assistance. "Central to Pakistan's struggles is its poor economy and burgeoning 'youth bulge'. Given these conditions, radicalism is on the rise in settled areas and threatens increased militant activity and insurgency in parts of Pakistan where the sway of the state traditionally has been the strongest," he said, adding, "At the same time, terrorist attacks and ethno-sectarian violence threaten the Government's tenuous control over some areas. Further compounding these internal challenges are Pakistan's strained relationships with its neighbours".

A three-day anti-polio drive started across the FATA except in North and South Waziristan Agencies and parts of adjoining FR Bannu due to a TTP ban. The drive targets about 713,051 children below five years of age. Meanwhile, in Mohmand Agency, the campaign will begin on March 11, while it was deferred till March 17 in Khyber Agency due to an ongoing Army action against militants there. Secretary social sector FATA Captain (retired) Sardar Mohammad Abbas inaugurated the campaign by administering oral polio vaccine to children at the FATA Secretariat.

According to a press release, the vaccinators will not visit the areas where militants had banned drops due to threats. A total of 2,324 mobile, 245 fixed and 72 transit teams comprising volunteers and vaccinators would administer drops to targeted children in the tribal areas under strict security arrangements, said the press release. FATA recorded 24 polio cases of the nationwide 27 cases in 2014. Of them, 21 are from North Waziristan and one from South Waziristan while three children are from whole of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In 2013, FATA accounted for 67 polio cases of the total 93 recorded in Pakistan. North Waziristan again recorded the highest number of 36 cases followed by Khyber with 20 and South Waziristan one, as children couldn't be vaccinated due to a ban slapped by TTP in June 2012.

Unidentified assailants shot dead four people, including three militants, in Miranshah Bazaar of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. "Several gunmen opened fire on a vehicle in Miranshah Bazaar, killing four people," a senior security official said. He said the gunmen also fired rockets at the vehicle, adding "those killed in the attack included three militants and a passerby".

Five people, including four children and a woman, were wounded in a bomb blast outside their house at Ghandi village near Jamrud town in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Bajaur Levies Force defused an IED planted along a road in Kharyan area of Nawagai tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The officials said that the personnel of the BDS rushed to the site after receiving information from the locals, and the bomb was safely defused.

At least six persons were killed in the morning when a mortar shell exploded in a house in the Shawal tehsil of the North Waziristan Agency in FATA. The dead in the incident included four women, a man and a child.

A NATO container was destroyed in rocket attack by unidentified militants in Shagai area of the Khyber Agency in FATA. No casualties were reported in the incident.

At least three persons were injured in a blast in the Landi Kotal Bazaar of the Khyber Agency in FATA. According to Khasadar officials, the injured in the attack were the members of a religious group named as Tawheed ul Islam.

Direct peace talks were held between the Government and the TTP in Orakzai Agency of FATA. The talks were mainly focused on an extension in the ceasefire and release of non-combatant detainees. The face-to-face meeting lasting seven hours was held in the Bilandkhel area in Spin Thall in the Orakzai Agency near the boundary with North Waziristan and the Kurram Agencies.

A convoy of SFs escaped two explosions caused by remote-controlled devices on the Miranshah-Dattakhel Road in NWA of FATA. However, the blasts caused no human or property losses as the convoy of the SFs had passed the targeted area shortly before the explosions.

A driver, Syed Ajmal Hussain, was critically injured in a roadside blast in Parachinar, headquarters of Kurram Agency, in FATA. Sources said that Syed Ajmal Hussain was going to his village in a vehicle when a roadside explosive device planted by suspected militants near a checkpoint went off.

The Government has claimed a modest increase in the boys' and girls' literacy rate in the FATA. "Literacy rate for girls stands at a modest 10.5 per cent compared to 36.66 per cent for boys despite considerable expenditure incurred by the FATA Secretariat to improve education statistics in the area," said a handout while quoting an official document. Earlier, the girls' and boys' literacy rate was three per cent and 29.51 per cent respectively.

According to the handout, Kurram Agency tops other tribal agencies in the girls' enrolment as 21.3 per cent girls have been enrolled there followed by Khyber Agency with 16.13 per cent such enrolment. Giving agency-wise breakup of the girls' enrolment, the handout said the FATA Education Atlas 2011-12 reported that the proportion of girls enrolled in educational institutions stood at 7.5 per cent in South Waziristan, 4.26 per cent in North Waziristan Agency, 21.03 per cent in Kurram Agency, 4.7 per cent in Bajaur Agency, 5.72 per cent in Mohmand Agency, 5.15 per cent in Orakzai Agency and 16.13 per cent in Khyber Agency.

The proportion stands at 5.88 per cent in FR Dera Ismail Khan, 1.81 per cent in FR Lakki Marwat, 2.28 per cent in FR Tank, 1.07 per cent in FR Bannu, 24.09 per cent in FR Kohat and 16.66 per cent in FR Peshawar. According to the handout, around 124,424 girls are enrolled in 1,551 primary schools, 19,614 girls in 158 middle schools, 13,837 girls in 42 high schools and 1,134 girls in five higher secondary schools in FATA. It said the recent militant activities and poor law and order situation in tribal areas had badly hampered the girls' education in the region but the government was taking steps to provide education across FATA.

At least 23 mortar shells fired from Afghanistan fell into North Waziristan Agency of FATA. The mortar shells landed into Ghulam Khan and Bagi Dar areas of North Waziristan. No casualties or loss of life was reported due to the targeted areas being uninhabited.

Non-vaccination of children in the FATA could spoil the anti-polio initiative in KP. The immunisation of children through Sehat Ka Insaf programme can't protect children against poliovirus for long as far as children in FATA would stay without oral polio vaccine. Two new cases, one each from North Waziristan Agency and Bannu, were recorded on April 2, bringing the total number of nationwide cases to 41. This also worried the authorities in KP, who are carrying out immunisation campaigns.

According to the National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan had recorded only six polio cases till this date in 2013 against 41 this year, which reflects an increase of 900 per cent. Children in KP will remain at risk of polio despite immunisation till the Government makes arrangements to administer OPV to children in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency. The rapid increase in polio cases in 2014 poses a serious challenge to the health authorities and the UN agencies engaged in immunisation campaigns. Of the country's total tally so far this year (2014), FATA has 33 polio cases, KP six and Sindh one.

The authorities started repatriating people of Ali Sherzai tribe to their native area in the Kurram Agency of FATA. Kurram Agency political agent Riaz Mahsud said that 55,000 tribal people had been displaced in June 2010 following a military operation to cleanse the area of militants. He said, "So far 7,500 people have been sent to their area and the rest would be repatriated over the next couple of weeks...We intend to complete the process by April 24". He added the returnees were being provided free transportation and food for six months, although the area had been cleared of militants. It was because of hectic efforts made by the FATA administration that PKR five million had been arranged for the purpose.

At least four TTP militants, including a local 'commander' of the Hakimullah Mehsud group, identified as Kashed Khan Mehsud were killed and another was injured in Shaktoi area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. According to local sources the fatalities were a result of a clash occurred between Khan Said alias Sajna and Wali-ur-Rehman groups of the TTP. However, Taliban sources have yet not confirmed the deaths.

The official sources stated that unidentified militants attacked a car in the Shaktoi area, killing four people and injuring another.

At least 14 TTP militants were killed in clashes between two factions of the militant outfit in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. According to Police and militant sources, a total of 34 people have been killed since fighting broke out April 6, 2014 in South Waziristan Agency between supporters of Khan Said Sajna and followers of the slain leader Hakimullah Mehsud.

According to militant sources, the differences emerged after Khan Said Sajna, a senior 'commander', was rejected for leadership of the TTP umbrella group, after its former leader Hakimullah Mehsud was killed in a US drone strike on November 1, 2013.

"At least 12 people have been killed in a firefight between militant groups in the Shaktai area of South Waziristan. The fighting still goes on," added a security official in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency. Sources from both militant groups confirmed the clashes and death toll.

An unnamed senior TTP 'commander' said that efforts were being made to resolve differences between the Sajna and Hakimullah Mehsud groups but the former refused to reach any agreement. "There are always differences among the people. There are fights also, some people fight for money, some for other interests", he added.

Nine more Persons were killed in a fourth day of fighting between two feuding factions of the TTP in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. A total of 43 people have now died in clashes which erupted on April 6 between supporters of Khan Said Sajna and followers of the late Hakimullah Mehsud group. Both factions are part of the TTP umbrella group, which has been waging a bloody seven-year insurgency against the State.

Unidentified militants killed the driver of a NATO container near Jamrud Bypass in Jamrud town of Khyber Agency in FATA while it was carrying supplies for NATO troops stationed in Afghanistan. Ali Sher, a local administration official, confirmed the incident. A convoy of seven oil tankers was on its way to Afghanistan, according to security officials.

At least 10 militants were killed in the ongoing infighting in the TTP in Shawal tehsil of Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. A local security official said that fighting erupted in the night of April 11 when militants belonging to Wali-ur-Rahman Group ambushed a vehicle carrying members of the Hakimullah Group close to the border of North and South Waziristan. All those inside were killed, while the attackers fled the scene. The official confirmed that the dead militants belonged to the Hakimullah Group, which is led by Shehryar Mehsud.

Several militants (unspecified numbers) were killed in infighting between two factions of TTP in South Waziristan Agency. The cause of clash is said to be over interference in matters inside one another's domains. The fighters from both sides have been launching attacks in the areas of Shawal, Shaktoi, Makin and Tank with heavy ammunition and artillery in an attempt to destroy one another's sanctuaries. Moreover, the internal strife between the two groups is now spilling onto other areas of the region. The clash has led to over 30 deaths since its first day on April 6, 2014. The clashes erupted between supporters of Khan Said Sajna and followers of the late Hakimullah Mehsud group.

According to independent sources, at least 43 militants from both factions have been killed in clashes which erupted on April 6, 2014 in South Waziristan Agency and later escalated to neighbouring North Waziristan Agency and Tank District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Three Haqqani Network militants were killed and two wounded when a vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the Dattakhel area of North Waziristan Agency. A local security official said that the dead belonged to the Haqqani Network and were en route to Dattakhel in a four-wheeler when an IED exploded. A source identified one of the dead victims as Sher Amanullah, a 'commander' of the Haqqani Network based in North Waziristan Agency.

Nearly 108 tribesmen from Khyber, Kurram and Orakzai agencies, who were kidnapped on April 12 from Haider Kandao Drugs Fair in Khyber Agency of FATA by unidentified militants, were set free. 15 tribesmen belonging to the Qamber Khel tribe from Tirah Valley, who have been associated with AI in the past, have yet to be released.

At least two people were injured when unidentified militants attacked a NATO supply convoy on the Pakistan-Afghanistan Highway in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. According to official sources, militants fired two rockets on the trucks and used heavy machine guns and rifles to target the supply convoy. Security Forces and militants also exchanged gunfire for half an hour following which the militants managed to flee.

The split faction of TTP in Orakzai Agency, known as TTI alias Orakzai Freedom Movement, and led by Hafiz Saeed, on April 14 claimed to have abducted tribesmen from Tirah Valley for their involvement in illegal and un-Islamic activities on April 12, 2014. The outfit said that they have released all the abductees from the Orakzai Khyber Agency border but ten of them are still held captive by them.

A pamphlet attributed to the Afghan Taliban and distributed in parts of North Waziristan Agency on April 14 confirmed serious differences among the TTP factions and the infighting which has left a number of militants killed on both sides. The Pashto language Pamphlet, with letter head of Afghan Taliban's 'chief' Mullah Umar, has not only mentioned the conflict among the Mehsud Taliban groups which forms major part of TTP but also appealed to the local tribesmen to pray and resolve the conflict.

The pamphlet also appealed to the Taliban groups to play their role in defusing the tension and stopping the infighting between Hakimullah Mehsud group led by Shehryar Mehsud and Khan Said Sajna group, affiliated earlier to Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud group. The authenticity of the letter, however, could not be verified from the Afghan Taliban.

A SF official was injured when an IED exploded on Ghulam Khan Road near Saidgee checkpost near Miranshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Security personnel cordoned off the area and started looking for the suspects. The search continued for about 30 minutes during helicopter gunships attacked suspected militant hideouts.

No group claimed responsibility for the blast which took place at a time when the Shura of the TTP was meeting to decide the future of peace talks. A Taliban leader said it appeared that some unscrupulous elements were trying to create a misunderstanding between the SFs and the Taliban to derail the peace process.

Gunship helicopters of the Pakistan Army pounded the hideouts of militants in the mountain ranges of Shankrabi in FR Peshawar. "These are highly wooded mountains where there is no human habitation and militants have hideouts in these ranges," said an official of the political administration. "We can see them bombing their targets in these hills but can't say anything about the militant casualties," said a local elder, adding that in some areas large contingents of the Army had taken positions on mountain tops but there was no attack by foot soldiers. There is no official word from the ISPR about the operation.

A leader of the TTP Karachi Chapter, Haji Dawood, said that a delegation of senior Taliban 'commanders' would soon visit Afghanistan to meet TTP chief Maulana Fazlullah to seek his directive about the infighting between the Mehsud Taliban groups. He said the Shura took the decision after three days of deliberations. He said the infighting between the groups of Sheryar Mehsud and Khan Said alias Sajna was an urgent issue for the Shura which decided to refer the matter to Maulana Fazlullah. He said the delegation would put forward opinions of both groups and the decision of the TTP 'chief' would be acceptable to them.

Unidentified militants opened fire at a polio team in Ghareza area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. However, no casualty was reported. Later, the political administration imposed a ban on motorcycle riding across the tehsil and residents were warned of strict action in case of non-compliance.

Militants launched a major attack on a SFs' fort in the Landikotal area of the Khyber Agency. The attack came one day after TTP revoked its 40-day-long ceasefire. Official sources said that the militants had fired bullet rounds and mortars from the adjoining mountains at a weapons depot situated inside the fort that is controlled by the SFs. The residents heard several explosions caused by the exchange of fire between the militants and the SFs. Some of the locals added that they had seen flames rising high from the fort.

According to sources, some unspecified numbers of suicide bombers were reported to be among the attackers. The SFs also returned the fire and targeted the militants' positions with mortars and artillery rounds. The extent of material damage and the number of casualties could not be ascertained due to a lack of access to the area. No official version of the incident has been issued so far.

Thirty-seven militants were killed and more than a dozen injured in air strikes by the PAF fighter aircraft in Bara and Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said fighter aircraft bombarded the suspected positions of TTP in Wache Wanay, Sra Vela, Dwatoi and Tordarra in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency. The jets also targeted some hideouts of the TTP in Spera Dam area of Bara tehsil (revenue unit). 10 hideouts of militants were destroyed in the bombardment. The official sources said the dead militants belonged to Orakzai Agency and Darra Adamkhel of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least three soldiers were killed and three others sustained injuries in an IED explosion in the Bobar area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. "At least three security forces personnel, including an officer embraced shahadat (martyrdom) and three others sustained critical injuries after an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists along the road went off," the military said in a statement.

One TuI peace committee member was killed and three others were injured in a bomb blast in Zakhakhel area of Landi Kotal tehsil in Khyber Agency. Official sources say that the vehicle of TuI peace committee activists was targeted in Zakhakhel area destroying the vehicle completely. The peace committee holds LI militant group responsible for the attack.

After threats from the LI, scores of Afghan and Zakhakhel tribesmen from Bara area of Khyber Agency started shifting to safer places. Tribal and the official sources confirmed that the Mangal Bagh-led LI had warned Afghan refugees and the Zakhakhel Shinwari tribes, a sub-tribe of the Afridi's, living in the area to announce allegiance to the Lashkar or leave Bara where the banned group is still known to have stronghold. Most of these people were settled in Akakhel, Sipah, Malikdinkhel and Shalobar areas in Khyber region who were given the deadline of April 27, 4 pm to take either of the options as their decision.

The Federal Government directed the PTA to curtail the operations of Afghan cellular phones in FATA and parts of KP because of security issues. Informed sources said that more than 40,000 SIMs of Afghan mobile telephone companies were operating inside Pakistani territory and using international roaming services. Apart from this, the SIMs also works on their local Afghan networks in certain regions of FATA which are close to the Afghan border. It was revealed that the Afghan SIMs have been used in many kidnapping-for-ransom cases in Pakistan.

"PTA has been directed to curtail these operations," said Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, adding, "During December 2013, around 17,000 Afghan SIMs were recovered by FIA after a raid on an illegal VoIP set-up in Peshawar". He confirmed that Afghan cellular SIMs were being used inside Pakistani territory and were suspected of being used in serious crimes such as extortion threats, illegal VoIP activity and by terrorist networks for communication.

Six persons were injured when a NATO container was attacked by unidentified militants on the Pak-Afghan Highway in the Khyber Agency. The two nearby vehicles were also damaged as a result of the incident.

KP Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan during his first visit after assuming his office to Sadda in Kurram Agency of FATA said that repatriation of all internally displaced tribal families will be his top priority for normalisation of the region. "Whether it is a single family or in hundreds, it is a humanitarian problem and we are fully conscious of the difficulties with which they are faced," he said.

The Governor said the day was not far away when they all would be able to live normal life in their homes. "It will also be my utmost effort to ensure equal treatment to all the affected people of Kurram Agency as far as provision of compensation is concerned," he said, adding, "It is the earnest desire of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif too to witness the people of FATA living normal life. I am here to evaluate the situation on ground".

Three militants were killed and two FC officials injured in an encounter in Khujal Khel area of Landikotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. A SFs official said that after receiving intelligence reports, an operation was carried out around midnight in Khujal Khel when SFs came under fire. A cache of explosives was also recovered from the militants' hideout. According to the official, the slain militants were wanted for the attack in April, 2014 on the Landikotal cantonment.

Army helicopters and artillery attacked militants' hideouts in the Bobar area of South Waziristan Agency. According to sources, three helicopters carried out the attack on the hideouts from 3 pm to 4 pm. However, SFs did not confirm the attack till late April 28-midnight. Sources said SFs also used artillery to shell the area from Mir Ali and Sara Rogha camps at 6 pm. No casualty was reported from the remote area where the media has no access. Tribal people said several hideouts had been destroyed by the shelling.

Six persons abducted during a vaccination drive on February 17, 2014, from Peeng area of FR Tank in FATA were set free. An official of FR Tank's political administration said that Khan Dad Dawar, a polio circle officer, and his colleague Sadiq Khan were kidnapped during a vaccination drive along with their driver and three levies personnel providing security. The official said their release materialised after a jirga comprising local tribal elders succeeded in negotiations with the captors. Queries as to whether a ransom was paid for their release were not answered by the official.

TTP claims that SFs have launched an operation in South Waziristan Agency and fighting has been ongoing for the last two days. "The security forces are using helicopter gunships and heavy artillery to target TTP positions in the Bobar area," TTP Political Shura member Azam Tariq Mehsud told journalists by the phone from an undisclosed location. He claimed that the SFs have suffered heavy casualties in the fighting. The claim, however, could not be verified independently because the area is inaccessible to journalists.

An influential pro-Government tribal elder, Malik Qader Khan, and his two guards were killed in an attack near Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Officials said one of the attackers was also killed in retaliatory fire by Qader Khan's gunmen. Officials said Qader Khan was travelling from Miranshah to Bannu when assailants in a non-customs paid car opened fire on his vehicle at the Chashma Bridge on the main Miranshah-Bannu road. Qader Khan was going to his village when he came under attack. Malik Qader Khan was known as chief of Waziristan and he had served as a peace committee's member. He was one of the signatories to a peace agreement between the Government and local TTP in 2007.

Two schools, one girls primary school while the other one was for boys, were blown up in the Drwazgai area of Mohmand Agency. However, no loss of life was reported in the assault. The school building was damaged as a result of the blast.

A local TTP 'commander', Irfan Mehsud, and six other militants were killed in a fighting with SFs in the Babor Mountains of Ladha sub-division in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. Irfan Mehsud is said to be the son of Azam Tariq Mehsud, a key member of the Political Shura of the TTP. He is also said to be the 'spokesperson' of TTP's South Waziristan chapter.

Two tribesmen were injured when an IED was blown up using a remote control in Sadda area of Kurram Agency. An official of the political administration said the IED, planted on a roadside, exploded near Sadda Bazaar, injuring two tribesmen who were on their way to the market.

Firing from Afghanistan side of border killed one Pakistani security person at the Pak-Afghan border area near Bajaur Agency, statement issued by the ISPR said. It was not clear whether the cross-border firing was conducted by Afghan security personnel or militants. "We don't have more information yet. We can only confirm that a security official was killed because of firing across the border in Bajaur region," said a senior military official when contacted for details.

Firing from Afghanistan side of border killed one Pakistani security person at the Pak-Afghan border area near Bajaur Agency, statement issued by the ISPR said. It was not clear whether the cross-border firing was conducted by Afghan security personnel or militants. "We don't have more information yet. We can only confirm that a security official was killed because of firing across the border in Bajaur region," said a senior military official when contacted for details.

SFs recovered 40 suicide vests at the Torkham border which were being smuggled into Pakistan from Afghanistan. Official sources said the suicide jackets did not contain any explosives, but were being transported to Pakistan with the intention of being used for suicide missions. The sources said that this was going to be done with the aid of local operators who were to fill the jackets with explosives.

Two people, including the driver, identified as Tariq, and the cleaner Rehman Ali, of a NATO truck carrying goods for the NATO forces in Afghanistan were killed and two others were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on the vehicles near Wazir Dhand area in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. There were reports that two truckers were also missing after the attack and were feared to have been kidnapped by the militants.

FDMA Director General Arshad Khan said that they would start rehabilitation process of 7,706 IDPs of Bagh Maidan area of Tirah valley from May 7, 2014. He said that some 3, 42,000 people belonging to the Khyber Agency were displaced and of them 1, 65, 000 IDPs were rehabilitated and the remaining would also return home gradually.

He said the people would be provided ration for six months and on their return they would get non-food items and shelter kits. The IDPs, he said, were supposed to return earlier but rains and dilapidated roads were main hurdle in their return. The government would also pay PKR 25,000 to each family in addition to house subsidy after disaster assessment, he said. He added the remaining IDPs would also return homes till July 2014 as the situation improved.

At least 13 militants were killed as infighting between rival TTP groups restarted in Shawal tehsil of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Official and tribal sources confirmed that clashes started between Shehryar Mehsud and Khan Said alias Sajna. According to official sources, the infighting between the two groups has claimed more than 50 lives during the last few weeks. Sources said that the death toll is likely to rise.

According to details, the rival factions have accused each other of grabbing power in order to control South Waziristan's Mehsud tribal area. Sajna had been considered the right hand man of Waliur Rehman, whereas Shehryar was a confidant of Hakimullah Mehsud. Their slain leaders were reportedly at loggerheads after the death of TTP founder Baitullah Mehsud.

Two people belonging to TI group were killed, while three others sustained injuries when a remote controlled device exploded in the Zakhakhel Bazaar of Landikotal in Khyber Agency.

Two militants belonging to TTP Punjab chapter were killed and one person was injured when a bomb exploded in Miranshah bazaar of North Waziristan Agency. Intelligence sources confirmed the identity of the victims.

Five militants were killed and three injured as clashes between two factions of TTP continued in Shawal area of NWA in FATA. As reported earlier, 13 militants were killed in the fighting that erupted between the groups led by Shehryar Khan and Khan Said alias Sajna in Shawal, a mountainous area near Afghan border on May 6. The militants killed on May 6 were from the Shehryar group. Rockets and mortars were used in the fighting.

A militant was killed when a bomb he was attempting to plant at Shalobar peace committee's compound in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency exploded prematurely.

A FC official was shot dead and another injured when unidentified motorcycle borne assailants opened fire on then at Ashna Market in Ghundai area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency.

The main gate of the residence of Saeed Torkhel was destroyed in an explosion around 3am in Ghreza area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency. The explosion also damaged the boundary wall.

One soldier was killed when a water fetching party of the SFs reached near Whol Top area along the Pak-Afghan border in Mohmand Agency of FATA where it struck a landmine.

An Afghan National Army official was arrested near the Pak-Afghan Torkham border in Khyber Agency after he crossed into Pakistan without any valid documentation. SFs shifted him to jail for further investigation.

In a bid to reconcile the two warring factions of TTP, the group's central leadership appointed Khalid Sheikh Haqqani as the new 'interim chief' of the SWA. A source within TTP said the move aims at ending the ongoing conflict between TTP Hakimullah group led by Shehryar Mehsud and Waliur Rahman group led by Khan Syed alias Sajna. According to the source, the TTP 'central chief' Fazlullah has send Khalid Sheikh Haqqani as the new interim chief and directed both Sajna and Shehryar to come to the negotiating table to resolve the issue. The source further said Haqqani had taken over and the main shura of the TTP would now decide about the new chief for South Waziristan. He said a new chief, to be appointed within two months, will be accepted by both the groups. "Fazlullah has warned members of both the groups that if any member acted against the other group, he would have to face severe consequences," he added. However, Sajna's spokesperson Azam Tariq refuted the report and said no one was appointed as chief of SWA.

At least five militants were killed and three others were injured as rival TTP militants, belonging to Shehryar Mehsud and Khan "Sajna" Said factions, clashed in Shawal area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

A senior leader of the group revealed that Khan Said alias Sajna refused to accept his dismissal as head of the militant group's South Waziristan Chapter. "Sajna was removed last week through a special order by the respected Ameer," a Taliban leader said on the condition of anonymity, adding, "The Taliban leadership council had also endorsed the decision," he added.

Safi peace committee leader Subidar Safi's nephew Jahangir Khan was killed and his driver was injured in an IED blast in Safi tehsil of Mohmand Agency. TTP Mohmand Agency Chapter spokesperson Omar Khurasani claimed responsibility for the attack. Later, a search operation was launched and 20 suspects were arrested.

One Khasadar Force personnel was killed and five others were injured in two landmine blasts at Safi Tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA.

Seven persons were injured in a roadside explosion in Rashakai area of Khar Tehsil of Bajaur Agency.

The KP Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan set up another FATA FRC to frame strategic objectives for the volatile tribal areas for the next 25 years. The five-member commission comprising retired civil and military officers, a former provincial minister and a serving civil officer has been asked to produce a comprehensive report within 10 months. The successive Governors had formed several commissions and task forces for the purpose but administrative and legal reforms are missing in FATA. Former Chief Secretary Ejaz Qureshi has been appointed Chairman of the FRC, whose other members are Lieutenant-General (retired) Syed Sabahat Hussain, former bureaucrat Mir Laiq Shah, former Provincial Minister Mossarat Qadeem, who runs an NGO, and Additional Secretary to the Governor Muddassir Riaz Malik.

The commission may corporate another member with the approval of the Governor, said a notification. The body will submit short and long term reforms initiatives to the governor for his approval. Mandate of the FRC is to formulate and propose strategic objectives, strategic policies and action plans which will be submitted to the Governor for approval. The FRC will overview the implementation of the reform initiatives and propose "mid-course corrections" as and when required. The commission has been given 18 Terms of Reference (ToRs) and will develop strategic and detailed action plans for realizing strategic objectives of reforms agenda in different sectors including economic in FATA.

At least 60 militants including foreign fighters were killed when Air Force warplanes bombarded militant hideouts in Mir Ali and other areas of North Waziristan Agency in FATA in the early hours.

At least 15 persons including, 11 militants and SF personnel were killed during a clash in Mir Ali area.

Following massive airstrikes, TTP militants met at an undisclosed location to reconsider a non-aggression treaty with the Government. Ahmadullah Ahmadi , a 'spokesman' of Hafiz Gul Bahadur group of TTP condemned the airstrikes and said the group "cannot remain silent over bombardment on people," calling it a clear atrocity on the civilians. He said that the Shura has convened this important meeting to assess the situation and hinted that the peace accord with the Government might get revoked. The spokesman warned that the Government would be responsible for any destruction in case it did not stop the military offensive.

Four suspected militants were killed and several others were injured when SFs intensified military action in the Machis Camp area of North Waziristan Agency. The SFs neutralized militant bases in the area while artillery and jet fighters struck another insurgent base in Sokhel Wazir. Later, the SFs arrested five militants from the Machis Camp area. The death toll rose to 79 since the operation began on May 21, 2014. At least 75 militants and four SFs have been killed so far.

At least eight militants, including a 'commander' and two SF personnel were killed in the evening, in a clash in Landi Kotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA, after a security vehicle was ambushed by the militants. "Two soldiers embraced shahadat (martyrdom) and three others injured this evening in an exchange of fire with terrorists in Landikotal, Khyber," said an Pakistan Army's ISPR, statement issued to media. "Eight terrorists including one of their commanders were killed in exchange of fire," it added. Pakistani military sources said that the FC vehicle was targeted near Hamza Baba Chowk by militants, killing two personnel and injuring the third. The SFs repulsed the attack killing eight attackers including a commander. A militant was arrested in wounded condition.

At least six SF personnel were killed and three injured in an IED blast in Mohmand Agency. The blast took place in the Shati Kandao area of Pandyali tehsil of the agency. Confirming the explosion, political administration official and security forces sources said that an IED, planted on the roadside, exploded when a vehicle of the SFs was passing by.

Five militants were killed in a clash with SFs in the Manro Jangal area near the Pak-Afghan border in Bajaur Agency of FATA. The sources said the militants operating from Afghanistan fired at a check-post of security forces in Manro Jangal and caused injuries to five security personnel. The sources said the soldiers manning the checkpost returned the fire and killed five militants, including three 'commanders'.

Five dead bodies were discovered in Uthmanzai area in the Pandyali tehsil of the Mohmand Agency in FATA. The bodies were discovered in the Uthmanzai area where a recent surprise attack on the SFs left six soldiers dead on May 24. All of the deceased appeared to have been shot dead, however, this could not be independently verified, official sources added. The area is under curfew and the bodies could not be identified as a result.

Panicked by the ongoing military action in North Waziristan Agency, the tribal people have preferred to take refuge in neighbouring Afghanistan instead of shifting to settled areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to reports, many families have migrated to Khost and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan from different areas of the volatile tribal region. Eid Mohammad Khan, a local tribesman, said that many foreigners also moved to Afghanistan from Waziristan before the launch of military action.

At least six militants were killed and seven others sustained injuries in a fierce clash between rival factions of TTP at Taunda Darra in Shawal tehsil of NWA in FATA. The Hakimullah faction is led by Shehryar Mehsud while the Wali-ur-Rahman Group is under Khan Said alias Sajna.

Four persons including Levies Force official were killed in a sectarian attack as militants attacked a convoy of Sipah Tribe, a predominant Shia clan returning from a funeral in Lal Pura area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. Tehsildar Lower Orakzai Agency, Sher Bahadar Khan said that a terrorist has also been gunned down while at least five others managed to escape the site.

Three security officials were killed while two others were injured in an IED explosion in Seen Tanga Towda Chena area of Frontier Region Bannu in the morning. The security officials were patrolling in the area when an IED device planted by unknown militants went off at around 10:30am. The deceased security officials were identified as Nasir Ali, Jaffar and Frontier Crops official Muzafar while the injured include Captain Obaid and Sepoy Safarash.

Three soldiers were killed and another two wounded in a roadside IED blast near Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency. The incident took place when a patrolling team was inspecting the Bannu-Miranshah road to build a military check post when they stepped on an IED.

The TTP North Waziristan chapter led by Hafiz Gul Bahadar formally revoked the peace accord with the Government, a pamphlet distributed by the group in the area said. The faction, as the pamphlet sent to media by Bahadur's 'spokesman' Ahmadullah Ahmadi said, is now preparing to fight against what it said was the Security Forces' planned operation, giving locals time until June 10, 2014 to leave the area and move to safety.

At least 16 militants were killed as SFs backed by gunship helicopters thwarted a cross border militant attack on a checkpost situated on Nao Top in Bajaur Agency. During the gun battle and airstrikes, one soldier was killed and two were critically injured.

The attack came a day after the Shura Mujahideen Waziristan group, led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, in North Waziristan Agency asked local residents to move to safe locations close to the Afghan border to avoid being caught in crossfire in the event of a military operation in the area. A pamphlet issued by the group alleged that the Government had practically revoked an agreement with them without making any announcement to the effect, by attacking 'innocent people' and destroying property.

Two soldiers were injured in a roadside blast in Dawezai area in Pandyali tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. The sources said the SFs were carrying out a search operation in Shish Mahal Mamazi in Dawezai when landmines planted on the roadside went off. As a result, two soldiers Shoaib Khan and Mustafa sustained injuries.

Eight persons were killed and seven others, including a woman and two children sustained injuries, in a roadside bomb explosion in Khumasa area in Kurram Agency of FATA. Assistant Political Agent Maqsoodul Hassan said that a van carrying passengers was heading to Parachinar from central parts of Kurram Agency when it hit an IED in Khumasa area. The dead included Janan, Taj Muhammad, Sanaullah, Said Imran, Abid Rehman, Abdul Qayyum, Said Anwar and Ibrahim.

Four soldiers were killed and four others sustained injuries when Afghanistan-based militants carried out suicide attack targeting SFs' check posts on Manro Zangal and Makha Top in the Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency in FATA. The sources said the militants attacked the check posts in Manro Zangal and Makha Top with heavy weaponry at 4am. "Two soldiers were killed and three others sustained injuries in the attack in Manro Zangal while two soldiers were killed and another sustained injuries in an attack on a checkpost in Makha Top," an official said. Official sources claimed several militants were killed in the retaliatory fire by the soldiers manning the check posts. The TTP has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack.

A senior 'commander' of TTP, Ashiqullah Mehsud along with two other militants, was killed in the armed clash of two groups of TTP in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. The sources said that Ashiqullah was sitting with some members of the TTP when he was assaulted by the unidentified assailants who escaped in a car after firing. Mehsud was considered the master trainer of suicide bombing after Qari Hussain Mehsud who was the top expert and the inventor of suicide blasts.

Fresh clashes between the TTP and a breakaway faction killed at least seven militants in the Wacha Mela area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. "The fresh clashes left seven militants dead, five of them belonging to Hakimullah group," a local intelligence official said.

A landmine explosion in the Nawagai area of Bajaur Agency left one security official dead and two others injured on the morning. The explosion occurred near the vehicle of the security officials, which was reportedly the target of the attack.

Two soldiers were killed in separate bomb blasts in Bara Kamangara area and also near a Pakistani post on Pak-Afghan border respectively in Bajaur Agency of FATA.

A pro-government peace committee member, Malik Inayat Khan was killed in a roadside blast in Ambar tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. Sources said Malik Inayat Khan, was on way to the bazaar in Ambar tehsil when his bike was targeted with an IED. While he was killed, another person sustained injuries in the explosion. The TTP, Mohmand chapter, claimed responsibility for the blast.

At least three Paramilitary soldiers and a child were killed and many others injured in a suicide attack near Boya checkpost on Datta Khel road in NWA. ISPR confirmed that at least four people including three soldiers and a child were killed in the vehicle bound suicide attack on the security checkpost. A statement issued to the media further said that at least 12 people including two women have also been injured in the blast.

Hafiz Gul Bahadur group of TTP in NWA extended cease-fire till June 20, 2014. Following massive airstrikes by Pakistani jet fighters that killed at least 60 militants in NWA in May, TTP commanders met to reconsider a non-aggression treaty with the Government. The TTP group later warned the tribesmen to flee the area by June 10 and also warned to take up arms against the Pakistani SFs. The statement came days after tribal elders from NWA were asked by Governor of KP, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi and Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani to oust foreign militants from their area.

Earlier, NWA tribal elders on June 6 agreed to help the Government evict foreign fighters from their agency within 15 days. The agreement is being hailed as a triumph for KP authorities, with officials expressing their determination to crush terrorism with the local tribes' help. "We will stand by the tribes to restore the writ of the state and rehabilitate ... the agency as we did in Swat and the rest of FATA," Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani said at the June 6 meeting. A 59-member tribal delegation, led by Atmanzai Wazir, assured KP Governor of the tribal elders' commitment to restore peace in the agency.

25 militants were killed and another 15 wounded in air strikes by fighter aircraft in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

The Governor of KP Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi announced a PKR 3.5 billion uplift package for the Tirah Valley, which had remained out of the administrative writ of the Government since the establishment of Pakistan. The Governor visited the valley which had been a safe haven for militant outfits. The Governor said it is time for action, adding that no one should be allowed to challenge the writ of the Government and vowed to end terrorism with the support of tribesmen.

TTP Shura asked foreign militants and supporters of the TTP to either live peacefully or leave North Waziristan Agency. The Shura, headed by 'commander' Hafiz Gul Bahadur, which met at an unspecified location, gave the ultimatum in view of a 15-day deadline recently given by the Government to elders of Uthmanzai tribe to flush miscreants, including foreigners, out of the area or face action. The Shura had held a meeting with a tribal jirga led by Haji Sher Mohammad on June 9.

Six suspected militants were killed in the US drone attack in the area considered a stronghold for the al Qaeda-linked Haqqani network in Dargah Mandi village in NWA. “Four of them were Uzbeks and two were Punjabi Taliban,” said an intelligence official in Miranshah. Officials said militants had parked their pick-up truck against the outer wall of the compound. “Both compound and truck were completely destroyed. Local informers told us that both are still on fire,” he added.

A pro-Government tribal elder and chief of peace committee, Malak Juma Gul and his son were killed and two others wounded when suspected militants opened fire on them when they were offering prayers in a mosque in Kitkoot area of Mamond tehsil in the Bajaur Agency in the evening. Political administration officials confirmed the incident and said that Gul and his son were killed on the spot while two other worshipers Shakirullah and Samiullah were injured.

A little known al Qaeda Taliban Tanzeem claimed killing 25 NATO soldiers in Afghanistan. Talking to reporters by phone from an undisclosed location, Yousaf Raza Mujahid, 'chief' of the al Qaeda-Taliban Tanzeem, Mohmand and Bajaur chapter, said that his group had killed 25 NATO soldiers to avenge the killing of 11 militants in a prison in Afghanistan. They were killed in the border area in Afghanistan adjacent to Bajaur Agency. He warned Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to stop actions against the Taliban or else revenge attacks would launched against them.

The Khyber Agency-based, LI, asked owners and principals of private schools in Bara to make Quran recitation compulsory for students and adopt uniform education system. On the call of LI 'commander' Qandahar Zakhakhel, around 300 teachers, principals and owners of the private schools gathered in Mandi Kas area of Bara, the sources added. Addressing the gathering, Zakhakhel said the LI had received complaints of overcharging by private schools. He also asked the management of private schools to adopt uniform system of education and reduce their fees. He said reciting the holy Quran should be atop the schools’ curricula.

A US drone fired eight missiles in Dandy Darpakhel area of NWA that killed at least 10 militants while four others were wounded. According to locals, at least four different compounds and a pick-up truck were targeted in the second drone attack.

Over 6,000 people from Ahmedzai Wazir and other clans have taken refuge in Khost province of Afghanistan’s in the aftermath of the recent targeted military action, suggesting the NWA tribesmen consider the neighbouring country safer than their own. “Keeping in view the long stay and plight of thousands of IDPs of FATA in and off relief camps, I have made my mind to take my family to Afghanistan instead of keeping them in grimy tents in the adjacent Bannu District,” said a tribal elder from Miranshah. Several families have already crossed over to Afghanistan due to uncertainty. Afghan official says 6,642 reach Khost from NWA, ready to welcome more IDPs from other tribal agencies, including South Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram and Khyber, have been living in awful conditions in and off camps for seven years. Over 160,000 displaced families from FATA have been registered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The TTP North Waziristan chapter chief Hafiz Gul Bahadur has already asked the local residents to move to areas close to Afghan border instead of proceeding to relief camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. When contacted, an official of the Afghan Government confirmed the arrival of 6,642 people, including 1,492 children from North Waziristan Agency in Khost province, where, he said, basic facilities have been provided to them.

The chief of JeI-F, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, said that the decision to launch a full-fledged operation in NWA had been taken and feared that action would start soon. He expressed dismay that all his efforts for bringing peace in the country had gone down the drain. He said that he had been extremely disappointed with the situation in the country.

Two top Government officials told Reuters that the two drone strikes on June 11-12 in North Waziristan Agency of FATA were carried out as a coordinated “joint Pakistan-US operation”. A Reuters report said: “Two top government officials said Pakistan had given the Americans ‘express approval’ for the latest strikes — the first time Pakistan has admitted to such cooperation.” “Baseless” was the one word comment when a correspondent for The News contacted the Foreign Office after Reuters released this report. “The attacks were launched with the express approval of the Pakistan Government and Army,” said a top Government official, requesting not to be named as he was not authorised to discuss the issue with the media.

The FO spokesperson Tasnim Aslam did not confirm the pre-dawn strikes in North Waziristan as drone attacks, but said that Pakistan’s position on drones is clear. During a briefing of the Foreign Office, she said that the facts surrounding the attack are being determined. “The nature of the attacks is being ascertained,” she said, without clarifying whether the strike was carried out by a US drone or Pakistani military machinery. “Pakistan’s position on drone attacks is clear.”

At least one Policeman was killed and two FC men were injured when an explosion occurred in Salarzai area of Bajaur Agency in FATA. The explosive material was planted along a roadside which blew up resulting in casualties.

One peace committee member, identified as Rafiq Khan Orakzai was killed in an explosion apparently due to a remote controlled blast in Bara Qamberabad area of Khyber Agency.

SFs and militants clashed in Bakarabad area of the Khyber Agency during a search operation. No further report was available.

Curfew has been imposed on main Pak-Afghan Highway from Jamrud to Torkham apparently due to a cleanup operation launched by SFs. The military sources said that SFs were carrying out sanitization of the area along Jamrud - Torkham Road in Khyber Agency that was why curfew has been imposed and it would remain closed until 5 pm.

The Washington has launched renewed efforts to pressurize Pakistan for a military operation in NWA and now much depends on the Pakistani civilian and military top leadership to respond to the demand, which would have an extremely seriously fallout for Pakistan. The recent move by US Congress to link military assistance to Pakistan in the next fiscal year with military operations in North Waziristan is seen as a frustrated effort by Washington to do what Pakistan has been successfully resisting for the last several years. Although, neither the Government nor the military has as yet shown any reaction on this move from the US, the PTI chief Imran Khan has strongly condemned this and called it a US effort to bribe Pakistan to launch military operation in NWA.

Reiterating his party’s stance on peace talks with militants, PTI Chief Imran Khan said that an offensive in North Waziristan would unite militant forces against the Pakistani state. "Conducting such a military operation when most of the groups in NWA want talks is suicidal," Imran said in a statement, adding that most groups in North Waziristan desire peace talks with the Government.

The elders of the Uthmanzai Wazir tribe and a militants’ council plan to meet at Miranshah in NWA on June 14 to discuss a 15-day deadline given by the Government to local tribes for flushing out militants from the area. According to sources, a jirga led by Haji Sher Mohammad and TTP NWA chapter 'chief' Hafiz Gul Bahadur will meet at an undisclosed place to discuss the situation amidst an exodus of non-combatants from the area during the past couple of days. The Government had given the 15-day deadline to a jirga which visited Peshawar on June 6 and met the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor and Peshawar Corps Commander.

Foreign militants are quietly slipping away from NWA ahead of military operation. The exodus began in late May after Pakistani air strikes, AFP reported locals as saying, but it has been hastened by the recent Karachi airport attack. As pressure builds for a fuller response to the airport assault, residents and officials in NWA's main town of Miranshah said the majority of foreign and local fighters had already left. "Most of them have gone deep into the mountains toward the Afghan border," a senior security official told AFP.

Three mortar shells were fired from Afghanistan which fell in Lowai Shalman area of the Landikotal tehsil of the Khyber Agency near the Pak-Afghan border. No casualty has been reported in the incident.

At least 105 militants were killed in NWA of FATA as Pakistan Army lunched aerial as well as ground offensive during the operation Zarb-e-Azb (sharp and cutting).

The Pakistan Army on June 15 launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists who were hiding in sanctuaries in NWA. “The operation had been named Zarb-e-Azb,” said an ISPR) statement. “Using North Waziristan as a base, these terrorists had waged a war against the state of Pakistan and had been disrupting our national life in all its dimensions, stunting our economic growth and causing enormous loss of life and property… They had also paralysed life within the agency and had perpetually terrorized the entire peace loving and patriotic local population,” the ISPR statement quoted DG ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa as saying.

The commencement of the military operation was welcomed by most major political parties and PM Nawaz Sharif is expected to take Parliament into confidence over the operation on June 16. According to sources in the PM Office, Sharif will be attending Monday’s session at the National Assembly, where he is expected to make a policy statement over Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

The TTP said they will give a tough reply to the operation. In a statement, the TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said they were keeping an account of the ‘dozens of innocent people’ killed in Sunday’s (June 15) military strikes. Shahid said they had not closed the doors of dialogue with the Government and were still ready for meaningful talks. However, he insisted that the Government should adopt a serious approach to revive the process.

Fresh clashes between rival factions of TTP left seven dead in the Shawal tehsil of NWA in FATA. Two persons were also injured in the militant infighting. Officials and tribals confirmed that the clashes erupted between Shehryar Mehsud and Khan Said alias Sajna. Over the last two months, the infighting within TTP factions has left over 100 dead and many injured.

The brother of a militant ‘commander’, who was kidnapped a few days ago, was found dead near a petrol pump in the Akakhel area of Khyber Agency. The sources said that Khyal Mohammad, who was the brother of ‘commander’ of TI, had been reportedly kidnapped by another militant group a few days back. His throat-slit body was found with a note, saying those who didn’t back Kandahar, a local ‘commander’ of the LI, would meet the same fate. 

The volunteers of Lashkar and Security Forces launched a search operation in Nakhtar, Lagharai, Katkot, Ghakhi, Khorchai, Tarkho, Gawati and other border villages in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency.

At least 140 militants were killed in NWA of FATA as Pakistan Army lunched aerial as well as ground offensive during the Operation Zarb-e-Azb (sharp and cutting).

27 militants were killed in fresh bombings by jet fighters that targeted militant hideouts in Shawal area of NWA in FATA. At least six militant hideouts were destroyed in the attack.

Six soldiers were killed while 3 others were injured due to IED explosion between Afghan border and Ghulam khan in NWA.

Seven militants were killed in exchange of fire when trying to flee from cordoned off area in NWA. Two soldiers were also killed.

Three militants were killed by SFs while the militants were laying IEDs in the area close to Miranshah. One soldier was also sustained injuries.

PM Nawaz Sharif, during a speech delivered in the National Assembly justified Government's decision to initiate a full-scale operation in NWA and said that Operation Zarb-e-Azb would continue until terrorism is eliminated from the country.

The COAS, General Raheel Sharif reiterated that all terrorists along with their sanctuaries will be eliminated without any discrimination. "The operation is not targeted against our valiant tribes of NWA but against those terrorists who are holed up in the agency and have picked up arms against the state of Pakistan," the Army Chief said during his visit to the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar of KP.

Opposition legislators in the Upper House of Parliament on June 16 extended full support to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the military operation in NWA. But they asked for special arrangements for the IDPs of the areas concerned. "The opposition supports the military operation launched in NWA and stands fully behind the government," opposition leader Aitzaz Ahsan told the House after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's address to the Senate over the start of a full-fledged military operation in NWA. The entire House supported the military operation.

At least 25 foreign and local terrorists were killed in aerial strikes in Hasokhel area of NWA in FATA. Six militants' hideouts including a training camp and an IED factory were destroyed. An ISPR statement said the operation is progressing as per plan. The cordon around all terrorists' hideouts including in the town of Mir Ali and Miranshah has been further tightened and reinforced.

15 militants were killed in Zartatangi mountain heights in the east of Miranshah by Army gunship. It was one of the main communication centers of terrorists.

Eight Uzbek militants were killed around Miranshah while planting IEDs on the road Miranshah-Mir Ali.

Cordoned off in areas housing terrorists in NWA continues. Continuous terrorists attempt to flee from area have been foiled.

Six militants were killed in a US drone strike in the early hours in Dargah Mandi village of Miranshah tehsil in NWA. Intelligence sources said six missiles fired by a drone hit a compound and a vehicle in Dargah Mandi village. The identities of those killed in the strikes have not yet been ascertained.

The SFs took control of border areas of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency hoisting Pakistani flag in the areas after almost a decade. Official sources said that the SFs have set up posts in the border areas while locals have also expressed their support for the Army.

The KP CM Pervez Khattak said the province had received 70,000 people displaced by the military operation in North Waziristan Agency. He said his Government had released PKR 350 million, the Federal Government PKR 500 million and the FATA Disaster Management Authority PKR 100 million for handling the crisis of displacement. Khattak also said the Government had pitched 1,000 tents in FR Bannu and provided electricity, water and other facilities. He said intelligence agencies warned that keeping IDPs in schools would not be safe that led the Government to set up tent camps, but he hastened to say that his administration was ready to open schools for displaced people if the need was felt.

The Balochistan Government deployed more Frontier Corps troops in the area connecting the province with South Waziristan to check the influx of people fleeing North Waziristan where the military has launched an operation against militants. A meeting held at Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan and presided over by CM Malik Baloch discussed the possibility of terrorist attacks in the province and measures to cope with the threat. It revised a security plan for the provincial capital and other towns in the province.

At least 12 militants, including foreigners, were killed when the Army's Cobra gunship helicopters pounded three militant hideouts in Qutub Khel area on the outskirts of Miranshah, administrative headquarters NWA. It was an integrated action by cobra gunships, artillery and snipers. While the Operation Zarb-e-Azb progresses as per plan, militants inside cordoned area are making desperate attempts to flee from area. 6 attempts were foiled last night. Three locals who did not have any identity proof were apprehended while trying to flee from the cordon.

Around 164,000 IDPs who fled from the conflict zone of NWA reached Bannu in KP. While a top Government official confirmed the arrival of 164,000 refugees in Bannu, political sources in FATA said that several thousand residents of NWA have opted to leave for Afghanistan's province of Khost in search of shelter. According to eye witnesses, refugees arriving in Bannu are greeted by a plethora of problems ranging from lack of transport to shortage of food and medicine and rude attitude of law enforcing agencies. "Several thousand vehicles carrying displaced people could be seen crawling from Mir Ali to Bannu. The journey which normally takes one and half hour is taking 12 to 15 hours today owing to crowded roads and increased number of check-posts," said Liaqat Ali, a local resident of Bannu.

232 militants and eight SFs personnel were killed since the start of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. SFs have destroyed 20 militant hideouts, including two major terrorist communication centres and a bomb-making factory. The number of civilians fleeing an expected ground offensive passed 200,000. Nearly 150,000 people have left NWA on the Afghan border this week after the military launched a long-awaited assault against militant's hideouts.

At least 20 militants were killed in targeted strikes by jet aircrafts in Hassu Khel in NWA. Three militant hideouts were destroyed in the attacks.

10 militants were killed and six others injured in air strikes in Malikdinkhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency in the early morning. Official sources said that the militants had occupied a Government school in Malikdinkhel area which was targeted by the gunship helicopters in an attempt to destroy it.

10 militants and two soldiers were killed during an exchange of fire while militants were trying to flee cordoned off area in Spinwam of NWA in the night.

Over 100 ulema from various schools of thought declared Operation Arab-e-Azb, the ongoing military operation against terrorists and militants in NWA, as Jihad. The meeting of ulema, which was organised by the Sunni Ulema Board, in its decree referring to the verse No 33 of Surah-e-Almaidah of the holy Quran, which says: "Crushing of the attempts to disrupt peaceful atmosphere in a Muslim state is jihad." The decree said the nation was bound to support the ongoing operation in North Waziristan Agency and the people opposing the operation were rebels as per Islamic Shariah. It added that the state had the right to deal rebels with iron hands as the militants had murdered hundreds of innocent people and targeted various schools, shrines, hospitals, and innocent people. Islam, it said, did not allow individual jihad.

A total of 31,264 families, or 394,319 individuals, have been registered at the Registration Point of PDMA at Saidgai checkpost in Bannu District of KP. The IDPs have also brought along with them a large number of livestock. According to chief secretary of the Control Room at the PDMA the number of displaced persons of North Waziristan Agency has reached 31,264 families or 394,319 individuals. Furthermore, in Bannu District, a relief camp has been established which would work under the PDMA and will support the district administration in the relief activities. The Provincial Government has released PKR 349 million to PDMA for establishment of camps in Bannu city, however, in the wake of the ongoing military operation, a decision was taken by the Federal Government to establish camps inside frontier regions which fall within the jurisdiction of FATA administration.

The PTI chairman Imran Khan said the military should temporarily halt bombardments in areas of North Waziristan Agency where the civilian population has not been evacuated. "The operation should not be conducted in villagers where women and children are present as they are currently stranded," Imran said. He also said that according to information available with the party, militancy will spread to areas bordering Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the wake of the operation and that the police and security should be beefed up. He urged the Federal Government to meet with the Provincial Government and chalk out a plan to facilitate the influx of IDPs as well as growing security concerns.

At least 15 militants were killed in the air strikes on eight hideouts in Mir Ali area of NWA in FATA in the early hours. The ISPR statement said tunnels were spotted in the area that came under attack by the aircraft. However, it didn't mention the name of the village or the area in Mir Ali.

The Government so far registered 435,429 IDPs affected due to the ongoing operation in NWA with the help of the NADRA. According to the latest official data available on June 23, the Government registered 35,381 families including 114,596 males, 137,301 females and 183,532 children. Consistent to the earlier instructions, Government assigned the task to the SAFRON to make necessary rehabilitation arrangement of IDPs. However, this time the government decided to engage the NDMA too in the process which is in line with the mandate of the organisation. Upon instructions the NDMA now engaged with the Ministry of SAFRON, Federally Administrative Tribal Areas Disaster Management Authority, Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Army, Civil Administration and other partners to coordinate and implement the plan for efficient management of all IDPs' issues.

At least 47 militants were killed and about 23 hideouts were destroyed in the ongoing operation by SFs in Khyber Agency and NWA of FATA. Military sources said the hideouts of TTP militants were targeted in the aerial strikes in NWA as part of Zarb-e-Azb operation, whereas the hideouts of LI militants were separately targeted in Khyber Agency. The terrorists' death toll in the ongoing military action so far is said to have crossed 300.

Three persons, including two soldiers and one civilian were killed in a suicide bombing in NWA.

On June 24, the Government sent a letter requesting the humanitarian community to extend humanitarian assistance to the newly displaced IDPs from NWA, in addition to the already displaced 930,000 people. According to the OCHA update, the Federal Government has announced USD five million, the KP Government USD 3.5 million and the Punjab Government USD five million for IDPs support. The donors have committed USD 14.5 million in support of the over 455,000 people displaced from NWA as of June 25.

The fighter aircraft PAF continued pounding hideouts of alleged militants in the Mir Ali subdivision of NWA in FATA, killing 13 militants. The aircraft had struck five sanctuaries of militants in Mir Ali, where the militants were still hiding, despite the fact that local residents had already vacated their houses and villages.

12 militants surrendered to the SFs in NWA. The identities of the surrendered militants are yet to be disclosed by SFs.

At least five militants were killed and six hideouts were destroyed as the Pakistan Army continued its assault in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA of FATA.

Four militants and three khasadar officials were killed in a clash between SFs and militants in the Sur Qamar area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency.

President Mamnoon Hussain said the Government and Armed Forces are fully determined for the complete elimination of terrorism from the country and the whole nation stands united to support the action against terrorist elements. "Despite enormity of challenges, the nation and Armed forces have stood together and made invaluable sacrifices for the country," the President said.

Terming the Operation Zarb-e-Azb as war for the survival of Pakistan, the Pakistan Army on June 26 pledged to tackle all terrorists, including the Haqqani Network. DG of ISPR Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said 327 hardcore terrorists had been killed while 45 hideouts of terrorists were destroyed in the North Waziristan Agency during the ongoing operation launched on June 15. He said 19 terrorists surrendered before the security personnel. He also said 10 soldiers laid down their lives while seven were injured in the line of duty.

The UNHCR Bo Schack said that thousands of displaced Pakistanis arrived in Afghanistan from NWA needing urgent humanitarian assistance. The military operation has forced about 65,000 individuals from 9,200 families to seek refuge in Khost Province, living there with their relatives and friends, while a number of others are inhabiting makeshift camps in Gurboz District, Bo Schack said, adding that more than 2,000 families travelled to Paktika Province.

11 militants were killed when PAF Jet aircrafts targeted six confirmed militants' hideouts on the outskirts of Mir Ali in NWA of FATA in the evening.

TTP 'commander' of Miranshah, Commander Umer was killed by Security Forces on the outskirts of Miranshah in the night.

One prominent al Qaeda 'commander' has been arrested while trying to flee from surrounded area in NWA. Initial interrogation shows him as an explosive, IED, suicide belt expert.

Three militants were arrested by SFs while they were trying to escape from war hit zone of FATA to Punjab by crossing Indus River near Mianwali. All crossing places along the River are currently manned to seal any escape for the militants.

Pledging full support to the IDPs from NWA, PM Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that new houses would be constructed on the return of the IDPs. Addressing the IDPs in the Bakkakhel area in Frontier Region Bannu, he said, "If required, billions would be spent for the rehabilitation of the NWA's displaced persons."

Seven militants were killed when militant's concentrations were targeted by integrated fire of Artillery, Tanks and Heavy weapons outside Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency in the early morning.

A Government Primary School for girls was blown up in Ekka Ghund Tehsil of Mohmand Agency. However, no causality was reported.

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that the operation in North Waziristan will be continued till complete elimination of terrorists.

June 30

The ISPR statement said that 15 militants were killed in exchange of fire with the troops during house-to-house search operation in Miranshah, the headquarters of NWA, of FATA. The Army's infantry troops and SSG conducted door-to-door searches in Miranshah town to ensure that the civilian population had evacuated the area. Troops have recovered underground tunnels and IEDs making factories inside the so far cleared area. Three soldiers got injured in exchange of fire.

Artillery, tanks and other heavy weapons were used in the action against militants. Since start of Operation Zarb-e-Azb on 15 June, 376 militants have been killed while 19 have surrendered to the SFs. 61 militant Hideouts have been destroyed in the operation during last 15 days. 17 Soldiers have died in the ongoing Operation.

July 1

Two security officers were killed and another injured when unidentified militants ambushed a security convoy near Ippi village in Mir Ali tehsil of NWA in FATA. The security convoy was travelling from a Khajuri check-post to Miranshah. The attackers managed to escape.

Army unearthed landmines manufacturing factory in Miranshah during ground operation. At least 225 cylinders filled with explosive material weighing from 80 to 100 kilogram have also been seized from the factory. One hundred and fifty incomplete cylinders meant for manufacturing landmines, 10 anti-tank landmines, 700 pipes filled with explosive material, and equipment for physical training and welding were also seized.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that several TTP ‘commanders’ were entrapped in the NWA. “They are locked in the security forces trap and they don’t know where to go,” the Minister said, adding that the security commanders were regularly updating Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Operation Zarb-e-Azb’s progress. “There would be a remarkable improvement in the security environment once the terrorists are wiped out from the NWA. They (TTP) have to pay for what they have done to the people of Pakistan.”

The monthly security report of the Conflict Monitoring Centre (CMC) said that militants’ activities have drastically decreased after the launch of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, not only in FATA/KP but also in Balochistan. According to the CMC statistics, SFs conducted 127 actions across Pakistan (including those conducted under the NWA operation) in which 517 suspected militants were killed, 25 others injured and 1,167 suspects arrested. Severity of the security forces’ actions can be gauged from the fact that the number of deaths has witnessed an almost 189pc increase as compared to the previous month. Over 251 pc increase in the number of arrests clearly suggests that security forces have also tightened the noose around the neck of the militants in various parts of the country and arrested many of their operatives as well as supporters while making an effective use of intelligence.

Assigning political ownership to the ongoing military Operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ in the NWA to weed out terrorists from the soil of Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated that Pakistan will enforce its writ in the tribal areas. He stated afterwards that the decision pertaining to the Operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ was taken after careful deliberations and weighing all options. He further said that all the foreign fighters and local terrorists would be wiped out without any exception and no sanctuary would be spared by the Armed Forces.

Prime Minister Nawaz is personally committed to the operation. He vowed that “as the full-fledged offensive has now started, victory and ultimate success is the only option now.” “We have planned for the extensive development of tribal areas after the successful operation,” assured the Prime Minister.

July 2

10 militants were killed when military helicopters pounded militant’s compounds as part of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb in the Khar Warsak area, 12 kilometers north of Miranshah, the main town in NWA of FATA. Nearly 500,000 people have fled the offensive in NWA, which is aimed at wiping out longstanding militant strongholds in the area, which borders Afghanistan.

Army claims that three more IED making factories with large quantity of explosives, anti-tank mines, a suicide bomber training center, a media facility and a rocket cache were recovered from the cleared area in NWA during the military offensive. A spokesman for the ISPR said that Operation was progressing successfully as planned as six IEDs attached with four computers in a ready position were also recovered from a private hotel in the area. “Forces are making swift progress in NWA as forces are hitting and shelling militant hubs and hide outs,” he said. Sources said sniffer dogs are also being used in the cleared areas to find hidden explosives.

Former DG ISPR Major General (retired) Athar Abbas demanded that the military should give access to the media to such areas which have been ‘cleared’ by the troops, reports Dawn.

Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that terrorists will be chased and eliminated in all parts of the country. Khawaja Asif said civilian and military leaders were on the same page regarding the ongoing operation in the NWA. “The operation will continue till the elimination of last terrorist. The Parliament, Government and the military are on the same page,” said the Minister. 

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the military operation in NWA should not be made controversial. The Minister said the Army was fighting the war against terrorism to secure the future of Pakistan and unnecessary comments on the decision of the military leadership could create confusion and make the situation tense.

July 3

Six bullet-riddled dead bodies were recovered from the Hurmaz village in Mir Ali area of NWA in FATA. Official sources said unidentified assailants had shot dead six persons and placed their bodies on a road in the Hurmaz village.                    

Unidentified militants fired six rockets at the camp of the Security Forces in Mir Ali on the night. The rockets were reportedly fired from somewhere in Spalga but didn’t cause any loss.

July 4

About 40 percent area of Miranshah, the main town of the NWA in FATA, has been cleared from terrorists during the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb. A military official told that 40 percent area had been cleared in Miranshah. However, he did not give any deadline for the completion of the ground operation in the area. The Army is facing some firing incidents, rocket attacks and explosives, but so far it has not faced any major resistance during the operation.

July 5

At least five suspected militants were killed and five militant hideouts were destroyed as jet fighters pounded parts of the NWA in FATA. Most of the militants killed in the strikes were reportedly Uzbeks.

July 6

Hundreds of TTP militants rushed to disguise themselves, cut hair and beards to escape operation in NWA of FATA. Azam Khan was one of the top barbers in Miranshah town said his business boomed in the month leading up to the Army assault as the militants sought to shed their distinctive long-haired, bearded look. “I have trimmed the hair and beards of more than 700 local and Uzbek militants ahead of the security forces’ operation,” he said while.

Even Uzbeks and Tajiks with little knowledge of the local language came to him asking him to shave their beards to nothing so they could go to Islamabad. “Knowing little Pashto, they used to utter four words: ‘mulgari (friend), machine, zero, Islamabad’,” added Azam Khan.

During the three weeks of Operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' by SFs in the NWA, 400 terrorists were killed, while 20 soldiers of Pakistan Army were also killed, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif. In an interview to The Wall Street Journal, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said that he could not give a time-frame for ending the operation. He added that they would not rest till the elimination of every terrorist from the country. Khwaja Asif added that they would try to complete the operation as soon as possible. He made it clear that the operation in the NWA would continue till the elimination of terrorism, militancy and insurgency. He further said that the government would take central political organisations into confidence for eradication of terrorism and timely rehabilitation and return of the IDPs. He stressed the media to play a key role in this regard.

Khwaja Asif said that "We will eliminate all sorts of terrorists from our area without any exception. If there are exceptions made, then the purpose of this operation will be defeated. It has to be without making any differentiation between our Taliban and their Taliban, or good Taliban and bad Taliban." About the past Afghan and US allegations, Khawaja Asif insisted that Pakistan had changed its policy. "They are all bad Taliban. There are no more good Taliban. "If we have to get rid of these people, we have to get rid of them in totality, because this is something plaguing this area for three decades. Both sides of the Durand line, Pakistan and Afghanistan, we are in dire trouble," Asif added.

Army Chief General Raheel Sharif said terrorists will be chased till their total elimination. He told the troops in North Waziristan to "eliminate all local and foreign terrorists and their sanctuaries" in the tribal region. Sharif visited the troops on the frontlines for the first time since the launch of a major offensive against the terrorist groups in North Waziristan. Talking to the troops in the middle of the operation in Miranshah, the headquarters of NWA, General Raheel lauded them for their courage, dedication and high state of morale and expressed his satisfaction over the progress achieved so far since the start of the operation. "He (General Raheel) commended the entire chain of command for their determined efforts in planning, preparation, mobilisation and execution of the operation," an Army statement said. "Alluding to the end objective, the chief of the army staff affirmed that terrorists will be chased and hunted down across the country till their final elimination."

At least 13 militants were killed when the Air Force fighter jets pounded seven suspected hideouts of militants in the Degan village of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. The ISPR issued a brief statement to the media about the latest air strikes in the Degan village, which had been attacked earlier as well. The press release didn't provide further details about the air strikes and the identity of the slain militants. Degan is located in the Dattakhel tehsil, near the Afghan border, and is considered a stronghold of the North Waziristan based Hafiz Gul Bahadur group.

The Government has so far registered around 751,986 IDPs moved out from North Waziristan Agency due to the ongoing operation against terrorists. Final figures would be available after the verification from NADRA to cut any duplication depriving the deserving IDPs of their plight. Besides Bannu District, Internally Displaced Persons from NWA have moved to Dera Ismail Khan District, Lakki Marwat District, Karak District, Hangu District while seven percent moved to areas all over the country.

NADRA had established four registration points including Sports Complex Bannu, Government College Mamash Khel, Teacher training Institute Ghoria Wala and Durrani college. Four mobile vans are also providing registration facilities to IDPs. Two distribution points have also been established at Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat. Around 82 families consisting of 575 individuals entered Kurram Agency via Khost Afghanistan from North Waziristan Agency. Around 736 families consisting of 9,440 individual IDPs of NWA have passed District Kohat and migrate to other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Around 2791 IDPs individuals have arrived in Karak District and accommodated. Around 772 families have reached District Hangu via Kurram Bridge Thall out of which 402 families have migrated to other Districts while 370 families have been accommodated in Hangu District.

At least 11 militants were killed when Air Force jets pounded militant hideouts in the Zoi Darasaidgi and Shawal tehsil areas of NWA in FATA. Three militant hideouts were also destroyed in the aerial bombardment.

More than 800,000 people have fled in the Operation Zarb-e-Azb against the TTP in NWA of FATA, FDMA officials said. Tens of thousands of families have left the North Waziristan tribal area for the nearby town of Bannu. Hundreds more have moved further afield to the towns of Lakki Marwat, Karak and Dera Ismail Khan since the attacks began in mid-June. Officials from the FDMA said they were checking registrations for duplicates, meaning the figure may come down. The military is using troops, tanks and jets in NWA and has vowed to wipe out strongholds which insurgents have used to mount countless deadly attacks in recent years. "Some 833,274 people or 66,726 migrating families from North Waziristan were registered in cities of Bannu and Peshawar until Tuesday evening," Arshad Khan, FDMA Director General said. Khan said 361,459 of the displaced were children and 248,633 women.

While Pakistan has not made a fresh request to the UN and the rest of the international community for the provision of assistance to the IDPs of NWA, it has requested the world body to extend its ongoing operations in the north-west to facilitate the IDPs. In this regard, the SAFRON has written a letter to the OCHA, requesting the UN humanitarian agency to extend its humanitarian assistance already being provided to the 930,000 IDPs of the previous emergencies to the NWA IDPs, it has been learnt. Responding to the request, the UN has extended its humanitarian operations for the NWA IDPs, with three UN agencies WFP, WHO and UNHCR mainly engaged in the provision of humanitarian assistance to the IDPs in Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat and other parts.

Six unidentified militants were killed in a US drone missile strike in Doga Madakhel village of Dattakhel tehsil in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. "The drone fired four missiles and hit a mud-built house in the Doga Madakhel village of Dattakhel tehsil. Six people, all believed to be militants, were killed in the drone attack," a security official said.

The Director General of ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa said that the tribesmen of North Waziristan Agency will never allow the terrorists to return to the area. On his Twitter account, he said the state too will never allow the terrorists to return to North Waziristan.

Unidentified militants set ablaze three vehicles of the Frontier Works Organisation in the Shagaye area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency. Official sources said the vehicles set alight were meant for a road construction project in the agency. Sources added that two vehicles were completely destroyed while one was partially damaged.

Army captured a top TTP ‘commander’, Adnan Rashid, in the Wana area of South Waziristan Agency. Adnan Rashid was living with his family in the mountainous region bordering Afghanistan, the officials said. He was injured in a shootout during his arrest.

At least 13 militants were killed when Army jets and artillery pounded alleged militant hideouts in Mosaki area, 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Miranshah, the main town of NWA in FATA. Six terrorist hideouts and a huge ammunition cache were destroyed and at least 13 militants, most of them Uzbeks, were killed, a security official said.

The Government is assisting IDPs under a comprehensive plan to ensure their better look after at the camps and their rehabilitation in NWA when Operation Zarb-e-Azb is over. According to the official data, the Federal Government has so far released around PKR 8 billion for the IDPs while PKR 358.236 million has already been distributed among 29,853 families. So far, 929,859 IDPs belonging to 80,302 families have been registered. The Federal Government also announced the donation of one-day salary of its employees to the IDPs amounting to 200 million rupees. An agreement has been signed between a cellular company and the Fata Disaster Management Authority for further distribution of cash among the IDPs in a transparent and efficient manner.

Militants distributed a pamphlet in parts of Khyber Agency warning the Khasadar Force, security personnel and Government officials to give up their jobs or else they would be targeted. According to locals, the pamphlet was distributed by Jaish-i-Khorasan outfit.

Fighter jets struck militant hideouts around the Mir Ali tehsil of NWA in FATA in the earlier hours of killing five militants. Official sources said that a number of terrorist sanctuaries were destroyed in the raids and also stated that a huge quantity of arms and ammunition has been destroyed in the strikes. They added that at least five bases have been destroyed.

Punjab CM Mian Shahbaz Sharif said that fight against terrorists will continue till elimination of the last militant in the country. Addressing a tribal jirga of North Waziristan Agency at Bannu, he said that disaster in North Waziristan would be turned into an opportunity that would lay foundation for economic revolution in the tribal areas.

Shahbaz Sharif said that after Operation Zarb-e-Azb, the IDPs from NWA should not consider themselves abandoned as the Government would utilise all available resources to help them. He added that the Government could start health and education programmes and create job opportunities after defeating the terrorists across the country. 

The Director General FDMA Arshad Khan said that the authority has been actively supporting the IDPs from the very outset. Talking to a private news channel, he said that free transport was provided to those who were unable to travel on foot. He said that they distributed about 400 million rupees among some 30,000 displaced families.

Political and military authorities have decided to launch a targeted operation in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency in FATA. The decision has been taken in view of intelligence reports that militants are present in the area, according to the Assistant Political Agent of Nawagai subdivision, Shah Naseem Khan. Another official, however, said that the decision to launch a targeted operation was prompted by July 11 killing of three security personnel in a cross border attack claimed by the TTP.

11 militants and five soldiers were killed and eight others were injured in two separate encounters with the militants in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA. In an exchange of fire with terrorists in and around the Mir Ali area, two soldiers, including an officer Captain Akash Rabbani, were killed and two others sustained injuries. Four terrorists were also killed in the exchange of fire.

The military have already announced that they had taken control of two major towns, Mir Ali and Miranshah, and expelled the militants from these areas without facing any major resistance.

A woman was killed and four other persons injured in a hand grenade attack on a house in the Sheikh Baba area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency.

The DG of FDMA Arshad Khan has been removed from his position for failing to provide adequate facilities to IDPs. The DG has been removed from his post in light of numerous complaints from IDPs regarding inadequate facilities and poor living conditions in the camps set up for them. 

SF killed 35 militants who were trying to escape from the remote mountainous Shawal Valley in NWA of FATA. Security official said those killed in air strikes by the Pakistan Air Force jet fighters included members from the TTP, Uzbeks, Chechens and Arabs.

At least 20 suspected militants were killed when US drone fired missiles on a compound in Saidgai area of Dattakhel in NWA.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif briefed PM Nawaz Sharif on the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Speaking on the occasion, PM said the Government would provide all resources for the resettlement and rehabilitation of the IDPs, according to a statement issued by the PM House.

At least eight paramilitary soldiers were killed and three others were injured as militants mounted an assault on a FC check-post at Ghundi area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said that four militants were also killed when the forces returned fire while three others were arrested.

A US drone strike targeting a TTP compound killed 11 militants in Mada Khel suburb of Dattakhel town in NWA of FATA. "The drone fired eight missiles on the compound around 2:00am (2100 GMT) on Saturday killing eleven members of the Punjabi faction of the TTP," a senior security official said. The official said the dead included two "important" ‘commanders’ of the TTP, but he refused to reveal their identities.

28 local and foreign militants were killed in air strikes when fighter aircraft hit hideouts in the Shawal Valley of NWA in FATA. The fighter aircraft pounded six separate hideouts of the militants in the forest-covered Shawal Valley, a mountainous area that divides NWA and South Waziristan.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two Khasadar personnel in Shahkas area in Jamrud tehsil of the Khyber Agency. The sources said Havaldar Wahab and Khasadar Gul Rahman were on their way in a car in Charmari Road in Shahkas area when unidentified assailants opened fire on them, leaving both dead on the spot.

A total of 92,702 families displaced from NWA have been registered as the FDMA closed the registration process on July 15, an official said. Addressing a press conference, FDMA’s Director General Abid Majeed said the NADRA had verified 49,857 families and an amount of PKR 759 million had been distributed among the IDPs so far while PKR 1226 million were transferred to Askari Bank Limited for the electronic payment through Zong SIMs.

The al Qaeda has confirmed that the US drone strikes had killed six of its leaders in the Doga Madakhel area of Dattakhel tehsil of NWA in FATA. Those killed included Mustafa Abu Yazid, chief 'operational commander' of al Qaeda and a close aide of Osama bin Laden, who had claimed responsibility for the 2007 murder of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan assured the United States that Islamabad was addressing the threat of terrorism through Operation Zarb-e-Azb which will ensure that there is no discrimination or distinction between the several terrorist groups in NWA. Voices have been raised in Washington that the army here is giving a safe passage to the Haqqani Network.

On the other hand, Pakistan sought the US intervention to stop the infiltration of militants into its territory from the Afghanistan. The US intervention was sought during a meeting between James Dobbins and Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz at the Foreign Office.

At least 20 militants were killed and their hideouts were destroyed when fighter jets pounded sanctuaries in the mountainous Shawal Valley of NWA in FATA. According to military officials, local and foreign militants had established sanctuaries in the Shawal Valley.

A soldier was killed and two others were injured in an IED blast in Baizai tehsil of Mohmand Agency.

Two brothers identified as Fareed Khan and Waheed Khan, were injured in a blast in Manzari Cheena area in Baizai tehsil.

SFs arrested five suspected militants and seized weapons from them in a search operation in the Bara tehsil area of Khyber Agency.

SFs seized an ammunition factory, stockpile of arms, IEDs and foreign currency during a search operation at the Mir Ali bazaar as part of the on-going Operation Zarb-e-Azb. So far, troops have found six IED factories in Miranshah, ISPR said.

A senior 'commander' of the TTP, Amir Salam, was among five militants killed in the night in a blast at a compound in Out Mela area of Orakzai Agency in FATA.

Two soldiers were killed after an IED blew up near their vehicle close to the Pak-Afghan border in the Ghulam Khan area of NWA.

The senior members of TTP rejected media reports about the capture of bomb-maker and suicide bombers' trainer Adnan Rasheed by the SFs. A section of the media had earlier reported that he was the first high-profile militant commander captured during the ongoing military offensive in North Waziristan on June 15.

The Federal Minister for SAFRON Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch revealed that the military operation in NWA, Operation Zarb-e-Azb, will be concluded within two weeks while the action in tribal areas will be completed within a month since the troops engaged in yet another small adjoining area of FATA.

Eight militants were killed during ground Army operation in NWA of FATA. According to reports, five hideouts of the militants were also destroyed in various areas of Mir Ali sub-division. The troops have now started advancing towards Khushali and Hasokhel area of Mir Ali to flush out terrorists.

A passenger coach driver, identified as Aziz Khan Ghaljay was killed in an IED explosion at a roadside in the Mirokas area of Kurram Agency. The passengers onboard, however, remained unhurt.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the Operation Zarb-e-Azb will continue till the achievement of its objectives. He said the operation has been launched for the elimination of terrorists and the armed forces of the country will clear NWA in FATA of the terrorists. He further said that the success of armed forces in the Mir Ali town is the reflection of their strong will and determination.

A Spokesman for ISPR claimed that 70 percent of Mir Ali town in NWA and its neighbouring villages have been cleared by the SFs. The spokesman said "Operation Zarb-i-Azb continues to achieve its objectives and is progressing well in North Waziristan." The spokesman further claimed that a total of 570 terrorists have been killed since the start of Zarb-i-Azb operation, 98 terrorist hideouts and 30 an IED factories, three ammunition making factories and a number of suicide bomber training centres were destroyed during the operation.

Suspected militants beheaded a trooper, Attaullah, who was on leave, in Shingari area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said local tribesmen recovered the beheaded body of Attaullah, in the seasonal stream in Shingari area.

One Saifullah Malikdinkhel was shot dead when unidentified assailants opened fire on him at Nullah Yousaf Talab in Khyber Agency of FATA. He suffered severe injuries and was shifted to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The beheaded body of one of the two persons, who had been kidnapped a few days ago, was found in Orakzai Agency. Two persons had been kidnapped by unknown people from Kacha Pakka area for ransom some time back. They added that the kidnappers had slaughtered Rahib Ali for not paying ransom and dumped his body at Tanbi area of Orakzai.

Two militants were killed and another sustained injuries in a clash between two groups in Akakhel area of Bara subdivision in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said the militants affiliated with Abdul Wali and Ghulchakai-led groups exchanged gunfire. A militant belonging to Abdul Wali Group was killed on the spot while two militants from each group were wounded. One of the injured militants succumbed to his injuries later.

One security official was killed when militants attacked a Security Forces' check post in border area of Ghakhai pass in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency. According to ISPR, a group of militants entered Pakistani territory from Afghanistan's Kunar province and attacked the border post in Ghakhai pass area. The assault was carried out using heavy weaponry, killing one FC official.

Three suspected militants were killed during the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation in the Mir Ali tehsil of NWA in FATA. According to official sources, a huge quantity of arms was also recovered from the killed militants.

Seven Uzbek militants and two soldiers were killed during the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb in Data Khel area of NWA of FATA. The soldiers were identified as Subedar Mashkoor and Lans Naik Zaheer.

During search operation an IED-making factory has been destroyed in Mir Ali and nearby places as well as 75 rockets and suicide vests were recovered. Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA is being continued successfully as Mir Ali, Miranshah, Boya, Degan and Baka Khel have been cleared of militants, ISPR reported.

The majority of Government schools and colleges formally reopened in Bajaur Agency after a gap of one and a half months. However, several educational institutions continue to be closed with their teachers absenting themselves from duty. All government and private schools and colleges in the agency were closed in June for security reasons.

At least 30 militants were killed in airstrikes carried out by fighter jets in Dattakhel, Marsikhel and Kamsham areas of NWA in FATA. ISPR stated that six terrorist hideouts were destroyed in the airstrike.

At least six suspected militants were killed and two others were injured when a drone fired two missiles in a house in a village in Dattakhel area of NWA in FATA. The intelligence sources add that the militants killed were foreigners.

Three militants, including two LI militants and one TI militant were killed as the two rival militant outfits clashed in Zakhakhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency. Three LI militants were captured by TI militants. The two LI militants were identified as Aqeel and Baghi.

At least 22 mortars fired from Paktia Province in Afghanistan landed in different parts of Dattakhel tehsil of NWA in FATA. However, no loss of life was reported.

The residents of Ediak in NWA refused to evacuate over the imminent military offensive against militants in the area. The refusal comes two days after the administration served notices on hundreds of the residents of Razmak, Spinwam, Shewa, Shawal, Eidek and adjoining areas of the tribal agency to shift to Bannu without delay. They were even offered free transport for Bannu. The elders of tribesmen called a jirga to decide about the future course of action. The participants unanimously decided not to vacate their homes but said they would continue to be in contact with the administration on the matter.

A tribal elder, Malik Abdul Hakeem, survived a roadside bombing in Gulu Shah area of Khar tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA. Malik Abdul Hakeem was driving in the Gulu Shah area when an IED detonated near his vehicle. However, he remains unhurt in the incident.

At least four suspected militants were killed when SFs opened fire on an explosives-laden vehicle in the Fort Slope area of Bara tehsil in the Khyber Agency of FATA. SFs signalled a suspicious vehicle which was approaching their base, directing it to stop but opened fire on it after the vehicle failed to accord with the directive. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the incident. Suspects killed in the attack were reported to be affiliated with the Gangriz Group of the TTP.

Maulvi Halim Khan has replaced militant 'commander' Hafiz Gul Bahadar as the chief of Shura Mujahideen NWA. According to the sources, the decision, taken in a meeting of the group's Shura, has been supported by both the TTP and the Afghan Taliban, though none of them has issued a formal statement to declare support for Maulvi Halim Khan.

Over a dozen teenagers who were being trained by militants in NWA of FATA returned to their native village of Sheikhan on the outskirts of the provincial capital Peshawar, on instruction from their 'trainers'. While their families are delighted to see them, a fear lingers that the mindset of these boys may have been changed forever. Elders told The Express Tribune that around 25 boys, aged between 14 and 18, were taken from the village over the last five months, leaving their families in a state of despair. Half returned after the start of the military operation in NWA.

At least 48 suspected militants were killed, seven hideouts, nine vehicles and several motorcycles were destroyed in fresh air strikes carried out by fighter jets and Cobra gunship helicopters in the Khyber and North Waziristan Agencies of FATA. The ISPR press release said that the airstrikes were carried out in the Kukikhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency in which 18 suspected militants and seven suspected hideouts were destroyed. Later, 30 more suspected militants were killed, nine vehicles and several motorcycles belonging to suspected militants were destroyed in fresh strikes carried out by Cobra gunship helicopters in NWA.

Six persons were killed when a remote-controlled explosive device went off in the Tangi area of Salarzai tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The deceased include three female teachers, two children and a driver. The explosive material was planted along a roadside in the Tangi area which exploded when the school van was passing through it.

Two drivers, identified as Juma Khan and Mohammad Ayaz, were killed and two cleaners, identified as Zabit Khan and Moin Khan, were injured when Jaish-e-Khorasan (JeK) militants attacked the oil tankers at Sur Kamar area in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. JeK 'spokesman' told the reporters over phone that its `fighters' had carried out the attack.

The FATA Tribunal directed the Political Agent of Khyber Agency to produce record of Shakil Afridi's trial and conviction for links with LI. Shakil has moved the tribunal against the upholding of his conviction by an appellate forum of the FCR Commissioner. The Tribunal fixed the next hearing into the petition for September 18, 2014, after directing the political agent to produce the record of the case.

LI militants killed a tribesman, identified as Nek Mohammad, for spying on the outfit in Speen Drand locality of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency. According to details, the man was shot dead and then his body was displayed in an open area for several hours before being handed over to his family.

The khasadar force recovered the dead body of a man, identified as Salim Khan, dumped in a house in Pump House locality near Ghundi in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency. The officials said that the man belonged to Sikanderkhel sub-tribe of Kukikhel.

Later in the same Agency, the administration sealed at least 90 shops of Turkhel tribesmen over failure to check militant attacks on NATO vehicles in Sur Kamar area of Jamrud tehsil.

The elders of NWA in FATA warned that they will march on Islamabad and observe a protest sit-in outside Parliament if they are forced to vacate school buildings before August 30 according to the Government's decision. NWA Peace Committee Chief Haji Sher Mohammad told a press conference at Peshawar Press Club that about one million people had been displaced due to military operation in the tribal agency, but the Federal Government had failed to provide them adequate shelter in KP.

Malik Noor Rehman said that almost 25,000 displaced families had been accommodated in various Government schools in, but now they had received a notice to vacate the schools before August 30. He said that it was a great injustice with IDPs and they could not tolerate it. He said that FDMA had set up a helpline to solve the problems being faced by IDPs, but there was no one to respond to the callers.

Female health workers won't take part in the three-day anti-polio drive starting across Bajaur Agency of FATA from August 25 due to security reasons. This was informed by field supervisor medical officer Dr Inayatur Rehman while talking to reporters on August 22. He informed that 694 teams had been formed to vaccinate 223,286 children in the agency during the anti-polio drive.

Determined to fight terrorism and violence, a jirga of the Salarzai tribe from Bajaur Agency vowed to continue denying shelter to militants. The jirga reiterated its stance against militancy to Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah and Commandant of Bajaur Scouts Colonel Amir Ali.

Five militants were killed and three others were injured in a clash with a tribal militia in Dana Khola area of Lower Orakzai Agency in FATA. The Officials said that the local peace militia and militants exchanged fire because militants attacked villagers residing in the area. According to sources, the militants belonged to Momin Khan Group of Darra Adamkhel Chapter of TTP.

A former spokesman of the Lashkar-e-Islam (LI), Zar Khan, was killed in Sipah area of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA.

The political administration of Bajaur Agency thwarted a terrorist bid and arrested two suspected militants. Assistant Political Agent Sohail Ahmad said levies officials stopped a car near the Pak-Afghan border at Zalam check post and recovered explosives from the vehicle. He added that 200-metre cables used in remote-controlled bombs, 800 fuses and 200 kilogrammes of explosive were recovered from the militants. Ahmad said the vehicle was impounded and the two men in the car were shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation.

A truck driver and a cleaner were killed as unidentified assailants attacked a tanker near Wazir Dhand area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The tanker was transporting goods for NATO forces deployed in Afghanistan.

A 'commander' of the TTP was killed and two others were injured in a remote-controlled IED blast in the Mehrban Kalley area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency. Official sources said that the TTP 'commander' who was popularly known as Khabare was the target of the blast.

Two levies personnel were injured in a hand grenade attack on a check post in Parsh area of Khar tehsil in Bajaur Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The political administration launched a search operation after the incident but no arrests were made.

Khyber Agency MNA Alhaj Shahji Gul Afridi claimed that a pamphlet supposedly issued by the TTP Darra Adam Khel chapter, warning Kukikhel tribesmen not to meet him was fake as it bore no signature or stamp. The pamphlet, circulated in Jamrud, warned of attacks against Afridi and told tribesmen to stop meeting him.

The political administration of the Khyber Agency made public a list of 70 wanted militants who the authorities say were involved in terrorist activities in the Agency. The administration officials confirmed that the list of wanted militants was prepared and that it had been made public at the political authorities' offices in Jamrud tehsil of the Agency.

The sources further said that the move was intended at motivating the locals to help arrest these elements who may be involved in militancy and other criminal activities. The tribal elders have also been warned to hand over the suspected militants nominated in the list to the administration and failing to do so would attract strict action against their tribes under collective responsibility laws.

The tribal elders of North Waziristan Agency demanded the Government to give a time frame for return of IDPs to their ancestral areas. "Whether we are going to go home after two days or two years, we are ready to sacrifice for our country but we should be given a date so we know when we are going home," said Nisar Khan, a tribal elder who is also President of North Waziristan Mutasireen (affected) Committee.

The Vice-Chancellor of Islamia College University Peshawar Professor Ajmal Khan, who was abducted on September 8, 2010, from Peshawar in KP was recovered by SFs during the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation in NWA. He is the cousin of ANP leader Asfandyar Wali Khan. TTP had claimed responsibility for the abduction and had demanded PKR 500 million as ransom in addition to release of dozens of militants held in various jails of KP.

Key 'commanders' belonging to the outlawed TTP announced the formation of a new group by the name of TTP-Jama'at-ul-Ahrar, with Maulana Qasim Khurasani as the new Ameer and also comprising of other 'commanders'. Former TTP 'spokesperson' Ehsanullah Ehsan, who has been nominated as the 'spokesman' for the splinter group, mostly comprising the Mohmand Agency TTP Chapter said from an undisclosed location that the new group was not willing to take sides in the current political tussle in Islamabad as they only wanted the Shariah system to prevail in the country.

Two security personnel were injured when their vehicle was targeted in a remote-controlled IED blast near Elbow Kandaow area of Mohmand Agency in FATA.

At least 32 militants were killed when SFs targeted the suspected hideouts of militants as a part of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA of FATA. The ISPR spokesman said that the Army aviation gunship helicopters targeted the suspected hideouts of miscreants in different areas of the tribal areas.

An official of the Khassadar Force, identified as Hamidullah was killed and five others sustained injuries when a group of unidentified militants opened indiscriminate fire on a Khassadar check post in the Jamrud subdivision of Khyber Agency.

The Defence Secretary Lieutenant General (retired) Alam Khattak said that Security Forces were conducting Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA of FATA to cleanse terrorism. "It is an across the board operation which is targeting all terror groups," he said. He said that Pakistan had an important place in the region and its Armed Forces were playing a key role in stopping the spillover of war in Afghanistan. "We are the affectees of terrorism, yet not only fighting it, but protecting the region," he added.

The FDMA has asked the Federal Government to give it PKR 1.5 billion to cater for IDPs of NWA. According to the relevant officials, the authority requires funds to distribute cash to IDPs and fulfil their basic needs during the current month. The Federal Government had announced payment of PKR 12,000 monthly assistance to every IDP family of NWA. Only the families, whose cases are okayed by the National Database and Registration Authority are getting cash assistance. Until now, the NADRA has verified 55,183 families. The FDMA had initially registered a total of 95,830 displaced families.

A press release by the ISPR said that 910 militants had been killed in the operation Zarb-e-Azb that was launched in NWA of FATA on June 15. ISPR stated that since the start of operation 82 soldiers had embraced martyrdom in the entire country in the fight against terrorism and another 269 were injured. The 82 martyred soldiers include 42 in NWA, 23 in rest of FATA other than NWA and 17 in the remaining parts of the country, including Balochistan and Karachi.

The ISPR said 88 kilometers long road, Khajuri-Mir Ali-Miranshah-Dattakhel, and the Gharyom-Jhallar road had been cleared. It stated that the SFs had cleared five town including Miranshah, Mir Ali, Dattakhel, Boya and Degan, which were considered the strongholds of terrorists. As many as 27 factories making IEDs and rocket and ammunition factories had also been destroyed, it stated. It said a huge cache of arms and ammunition, communication equipment and other logistics facilities used by terrorists had been destroyed, uprooting their ability to attack as a coherent force. It said that 2,274 Intelligence-led coordinated counter terrorism operations had been carried out throughout the country to forestall any blowback of the operation.

With regard to the relief work for the IDPs, the press release said that about 19,376 tons ration had been distributed among 97,570 IDP families at six relief distribution points in Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank. The ISPR said about 113,209 patients including 32,979 females had been treated at field medical hospitals established by the Army Medical Corps at Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital in Bannu. It stated that about 32,226 cattle had been treated whereas 73,338 cattle and 12,9141 poultry had been vaccinated.

The Jamaat al-Ahrar, the new faction of the TTP, has claimed that only 30 fighters were killed so far in the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb by the Pakistan Army in NWA. In a statement sent to the media, the Jamaat al-Ahrar 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan said the SFs' claim of killing 910 militants was baseless and unfounded. He said the media had been presenting one-sided reports to the people without confirming these from independent sources. He claimed that some five dozens civilians had been killed during the shelling on the populated areas in NWA.

Two militants were killed and five others sustained injuries in a clash with the members of pro-Government peace committee in Milward area of Akkakhel in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. The sources said on receiving information that a group of militants were hiding at a place in Milward area, the armed members of the peace body besieged it, triggering an exchange of fire. The sources said two militants identified as 'commander' Siddique and Parrak were killed in the exchange of fire while Saeed, Noor Gulab, Luqman, Kimya Gul and Kimya Khan were wounded.

The IDPs from NWA threatened to march on Islamabad if they were not repatriated within a week. Speaking at a press conference at Bannu, the tribal elders including Sherpao Mahsud of Tehrik-e-Mahsud Qabaail, Tribal Students Society, Bannu University, president Asmatullah Wazir, Malik Khalid Khan, Muhamamd Raza Dawar, Malik Noora Jan Mahsud, Tehseen Dawar and Rahimullah said that the tribal people had always stood by the Government and the Pakistan Army through thick and thin.

Army killed 10 militants, destroyed an explosives cache and five vehicles in fresh air strikes as part of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in Boya Degan area of NWA in FATA. "The Army Aviation gunship helicopters struck in the area ahead of Boya Degan in North Waziristan.

A Government-run school for girls was blown up in Kamangara area of Nawagai tehsil in Bajaur Agency.

Federal Government, which had promised unconditional support to people displaced by the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA, has not released a single penny to enable provision of medical relief to people who have been dislodged from their homes and hearths in the wake of the military operation.

European Union has agreed to provide five million Euros for the welfare of IDPs of NWA. The Radio Pakistan quoted the FATA Disaster Management Authority officials that the EU will undertake a number of welfare projects for the IDPs in collaboration with the World Food Programme, World Health Organisation, International Committee of the Red Cross and Pakistan Red Crescent Society. The main focus will be on providing shelter, food, drinking water and healthcare to the IDPs.

Six militants, a civilian and a soldier were killed in the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb in Datta Khel area of NWA of FATA. According to the ISPR, clearance operation would continue in the village and end soon once all militants would be flushed out.

Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar approved release of PKR 1.059 billion for the IDPs who had to flee their homes as a result of operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA. "Rehabilitation of the displaced people is the top priority of our Government and we have a firm commitment to restore the normal life of the people who have been supporting the government in its struggle against terrorism," Ishaq Dar said. "Our government has so far released a total of PKR 2.8 billion to FATA Disaster Management Authority in four tranches," he said.

Sixty-five terrorists were killed and five terrorist hideouts destroyed in air strikes by the PAF jets in the NW) of FATA. ISPR said that the military first carried out air strikes early on September 10 in the Dattakhel area of NWA, killing 35 terrorists and later targeted a village in the Shawal Valley, killing another 30. The PAF jets carried out precision strikes after getting credible intelligence about the presence of militants there.

The COAS General Raheel Sharif said that the Operation Zarb-e-Azb would continue till the elimination of last terrorist. He emphasised that terrorists would be pursued even in the remotest areas and all their sanctuaries would be taken out during the Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

Unidentified militants killed a member of the Levies Force, identified as Nawab escorting an anti-polio team in Damadola area in Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The sources said the attack took place on the last day of a three-day anti-polio campaign in Bajaur Agency. The immunisation drive continued after the attack under stringent security.

Three cadres of Amr Bil Maroof Wa Nahi Anil Munkar sustained injuries in a roadside blast in Bar Qambarkhel in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. The sources said that the cadres, identified as Reshad, Haroon and Mumtaz, were on their way to a village in a car when an explosive device planted on roadside went off in Bar Qambarkhel.

Three watchmen of a market sustained injuries when unidentified assailants lobbed a hand-grenade into a room in Anjani Bazaar area of Orakzai Agency. Sources said Suleman, Gul Khan and Nadir Khan were sitting in a room in Anjani Bazaar when unidentified assailants persons hurled a hand- grenade into the room around 5am early in the morning. As a result, the sources said, all the three watchmen sustained critical wounds in the attack.

A grid station was attacked with an IED in Kalaya in Orakzai Agency. Source said a shopping bag containing four kilogram of explosives had been placed near the main entrance to the grid station.

Security Forces raided a house near Landikotal College in Landikotal town of Khyber Agency and arrested four terrorists. According to security officials, during the raid, they also seized a suicide jacket.

Unidentified militants killed a Khasadar force personnel along with his wife in Shalobar Qamberabad of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency. Official sources said the Khasadar personnel was going out of his house in Shalobar Qamberabad when the assault left him and his wife dead on the spot.

At least three militants and a civilian were killed and another sustained injuries in cross-fire erupted after attack on the convoy of the SFs in Dogra area in Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency in FATA.

Three FC personnel were killed and two others were injured in a rocket attack at Spinwam area of NWA. Sources said that militants fired 20 rockets at an FC fort due to which three FC personnel were killed and two others were injured.

Military air strikes killed at least 15 suspected militants in the NWA of FATA. A statement released by the ISPR said that Army Aviation combat helicopters in precise attack strikes in Tabai area of NWA also destroyed 10 explosive-laden vehicles. Five terrorist hideouts were also destroyed in the action.

At least 20 militants and four SF personnel of the Tochi Scouts Wing of the paramilitary FC were killed and another sustained injuries when Afghanistan-based militants attacked the Dandi Kach checkpost in Spinwam tehsil in NWA of FATA. Sources said that some 700 Afghanistan-based militants stormed the Dandi Kach checkpost near the Afghan border at around 6:20am and killed four soldiers manning the picket. The slain soldiers were identified as Lance Naik Hamid Akbar from Kohat, Lance Naik Abid Jan from Charsadda, Lance Naik Sajid from Kohat and Abdul Rahman.

SFs claimed to have killed 23 militants in air strikes by the PAF jet fighters in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency. The ISPR press release said that the jet fighters pounded the positions of militants in Dwa Toi, Tor Darra and Wacha Wano areas in Tirah Valley. It said about 23 militants were killed and five others injured in the bombardment. Three hideouts and two ammunition dumps were also destroyed in Tor Darra and Kukikhel areas during the bombardment. Official sources said the dead and injured militants were affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group.

About 12 unidentified militants attacked a pro-government tribal leader, Malik Khaista Gul's house at midnight in Babi Khel area of Ghallanai tehsil in Mohmand Agency. Militants lobbed a hand grenade and also fired rocket shells at his house, a political administrator said. The tribal leader's guards put up resistance and an exchange of fire ensued. Khaista Gul's 12-year-old grandson was injured and the house partially damaged. Another grandson of Khaista Gul had been killed by an unidentified militant in 2013.

In Safi tehsil, marble mine owner and tribal leader Malik Bakhtpoor was attacked in a similar manner. A hand grenade was lobbed inside his house at night but no casualties or damage to property was reported.

PM Nawaz Sharif said the Government was trying its best to ensure the early repatriation of the IDPs of NWA so that they could start afresh in an atmosphere of peace and stability. The PM held a meeting with a large Jirga delegation from the NWA, led by Maulana Fazlur Rahman, at the PM House. Nawaz said the brave people of the tribal areas, especially those belonging to NWA, had given great sacrifices for long-term peace in Pakistan for which the entire Pakistani nation was proud of them. He said NWA would soon be cleared and expressed confidence that permanent peace would be restored in the area.

PAF airstrikes destroyed five militant hideouts and killed at least 40 suspected militants as part of the on-going Operation Zarb-e-Azb in the Kiza Madakhel, Datta Khel and Ezark areas of Datta Khel tehsil in NAW of FATA.

At least 23 militants were killed in fresh airstrikes on militant hideouts in Ismail Khel and Zerom areas of NWA in FATA. A statement issued by ISPR said that Pakistan Army in an aerial action targeted militant hideouts in Zerom and Ismail Khel area, killing at least 23 militants. These claims, however, could not be independently verified as journalists have limited access to the restive tribal agency.

The IDPs of NWA alleged that Police and customs officials had been impounding their vehicles on refusal to pay bribes at different checkpoints. "Police in different Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have impounded our 21 vehicles in the name of checking," said tribal elder Malik Zafarullah Wazir. He further claimed that the Security Forces had already provided them the NOC for use of NCP vehicles till their stay in the camps, but the Police and customs officials were teasing them for obvious reason to pay them money.

At least three LI militants were killed in a remote-controlled blast in the Sipah area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The militants were travelling in their vehicle when they passed the area where they were hit by an IED planted along a roadside. The vehicle was of LI 'commander' Shams who was not present in it at the time of the explosion.

KP Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan said that phased return of 6,000 internally displaced families of Bar Qambar Khel area of Khyber Agency in FATA to their homes would start from September 23.

The TTP said that one of its senior commanders Mohammad Hasan was killed in a recent clash with Army during Operation Zarb-i-Azb in NWA of FATA. In a statement issued by TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said Hasan, who hailed from Kabul, was killed in clashes in Boya area of NWA. The statement added that Hasan had recently been released from an Afghan prison and had "reunited with his comrades" in Pakistan.

At least 23 militants were killed in shelling by jet fighters and gunship helicopters in the Bangidar area in North Waziristan Agency. Ten explosive stores and several terrorist hideouts were also destroyed in the action.

Two SFs were killed and another injured when an IED planted along the roadside exploded in the FR Bannu.

Two bullet-riddled dead bodies were found in a deserted place in Ashrafabad area of Baizai sub-division of Mohmand Agency.

The CoAS, General Raheel Sharif called on PM Nawaz Sharif and exchanged views on Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan Agency. He said the SFs have cleared some 90 per cent of areas of the militants in major towns in the region, including its headquarters Miranshah and Mir Ali.

At least 19 militants were killed in aerial strikes on militant hideouts in the Dandi Kachkol, Ghulam Khan, Gurbaz, Mana, Pasht Ziarat areas of North Waziristan Agency.

A bomb planted near the house of one Naimatullah by unidentified militants was defused by the bomb disposal unit in Wazir Dhand area of Khyber Agency.

At least 27 persons, including six wanted militants, were arrested in a targeted search operation in the Lashora and Wanu Mela areas of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency.

At least 13 militants were killed in air strikes by the PAF jets in the Surkas, Dwatoi and Gharbay Kandao areas of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency. Local sources said an Uzbek 'commander' was among those killed in the air strikes. The targeted areas were inhabited by the Kukikhel tribe.

10 Uzbek militants were killed when a US drone hit a vehicle in the Lowra Mandai area of Dattakhel tehsil in North Waziristan Agency. Government condemned the drone strike. "The government of Pakistan condemns the incident of US drone strike that took place in Dattakhel, North Waziristan on Wednesday, 24 September 2014," a statement from Foreign Office said.

SFs recovered arms and explosives from the Ashkhel mountain Range in Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency.

Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani called for action against terrorist groups in southern Punjab and Balochistan, saying the 'successful' Zarb-e-Azb operation was not enough to end the terrorist threat in the country. "Terrorism cannot be eliminated without intelligence-based operations throughout the country - particularly in Southern Punjab and Sindh," he said. He called for greater focus of these operations in Southern Punjab and Balochistan and a stronger political backing for these actions.

SF took into custody four persons from a house during a search operation in the Landi Kotal area of Khyber Agency. During the raid, a huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the possession of the suspects.

Two activists of an anti-Taliban peace committee were killed and another seriously injured in an IED blast in the Dawezai area of Pandyali tehsil of Mohmand Agency. JuA claimed responsibility for the attack. The 'spokesman' of JuA Ehsanullah Ehsan said that they have targeted the peace committee members for fighting and spying against Taliban. He said that such attacks on 'pro-government paid people' would continue as they were enemies of Taliban.

The four suspected militants killed in the Fort Slope area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency on August 14, 2014, were identified as TTP and LI militants. While three of them were identified as TTP 'commanders', Jamil alias Jangrez, Shahid and Balage, another one was identified as LI 'commander', Raid Khan.

SFs thwarted militants attack on a check-post in Jamrud Bazaar in Khyber Agency of the FATA and killed at least six militants in retaliatory fire. The SFs have launched search operation in the area.

At least 15 terrorists were killed in air strikes by SFs in the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation in Shawal area of North Waziristan Agency.

US drone strike killed four suspected militants, including two Arab militants, in a compound in Wana area of South Waziristan Agency.

TTP militants shot dead the leader of Qaumi Lashkar, Gul Akbar, and injured his driver, Noudiyar, in Dara area of Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur Agency. TTP 'spokesperson' Shahidullah Shahid claimed responsibility for the attack.

Five militants were killed and four others were injured in a blast that occurred at the Lashkar-e-Islam base in Kandao area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Two SFs were injured in a roadside remote-controlled IED blast in Spinwam area of North Waziristan Agency.

At least 15 militants were killed in jet strikes in the Jamrud and Bara areas in Khyber Agency of FATA.

At least five militants were killed in a US drone strike in Shawal area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA.

At least eight militants were killed and four others were injured in a US drone strike in Bari Mail area of Shawal Valley in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. It was the fourth drone strike in last two weeks in the tribal belt.

Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif announced that 14,000 youths will be inducted into the Army from tribal region of Waziristan over the next five years.

At least three militants were killed and five others were injured in a US drone strike in Madakhel Kunar Sar area of Dattakhel tehsil in NWA of FATA.

At least four suspected militants were killed and three others were injured in a US drone strike in Dattakhel area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

At least three persons, including a polio worker, were killed in a blast in Alemgar area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA. Official sources said that suspected militants had planted the IED in front of the house of a local named Taj Gul, killing one of his sons Sakhi Gul and his nephew Maskeen on the spot while his other son Muhammad Agul, who is a Union Council polio worker, was left injured. The administration officials said the injured polio worker was shifted to Camp Hospital in Muhammad Gat where he succumbed to his wounds.

Six persons, including a pro-government tribal chief, were injured in Ghakhi area of Salarzai tehsil in Bajaur Agency when a vehicle was attacked by militants via a remote-controlled bomb. No group or individual has claimed responsibility the attack.

Three suspected militants and a security official were killed in an exchange of fire between SFs and militants during a search operation in Prang Dara area of Haleemzai tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA.

One person, identified as Baa Khan, was killed and another, identified as Mashal Khan, was injured in an IED blast in Landi Noor Village of Wana Town in South Waziristan Agency.

At least four suspected militants, including a local Taliban ‘commander’, were killed in yet another US drone strike in the Shawal tehsil of NWA in FATA, raising the toll from a series of attacks this week to 29. Intelligence sources said that a US drone fired two missiles at a vehicle in Maraga area of Shawal tehsil in which the four suspected militants, including the Taliban ‘commander’, identified as Mustafa, belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction of TTP, have died in the strike.

An unidentified person was killed and another injured when a roadside IED went off on Dolat Moosa road in the Sipah area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. Sources said that a car was also damaged in the explosion.

According to ISPR, 11 militants were killed in the airstrikes and two hideouts were also destroyed in the Bangidar area of NWA in FATA.

At least 10 militants were killed in the Kukikhel area of Khyber Agency. Three hideouts were also destroyed.

Seven people were killed and 17 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a Jirga of the Zakhakhel Amn Lashkar in the Pir Mela area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said the Jirga of the Zakhakhel Amn Lashkar was taking place in the main bazaar when a suicide bomber arrived there and detonated the explosives strapped to his body.

A volunteer of a peace committee was killed and another sustained injuries as militants attacked a post in Qandaharo area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency.

Four soldiers were injured in a bomb blast in Warsak area of North Waziristan Agency. The blast occurred when a forces vehicle was passing through Warsak.

Twenty-one militants were killed and several others sustained injuries when jet fighters pounded their hideouts in the Tirah Valley and Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. The ISPR said the jet fighters pounded the militant's hideouts in Akakhel, Sipah, Kamarkhel and Akakhel Zawa areas of the Khyber Agency, destroying five hideouts.

SFs recovered arms, ammunition, and body of a suspected militant who was killed last week during a clash with the forces in Sahib Cheena area of Halimzai tehsil in Mohmand Agency.

A soldier sustained injuries while defusing a roadside bomb in Safi tehsil. The sources said militants had planted explosives at the roadside near the Said Khan Kor where the SFs were conducting a search operation.

Eight militants and a soldier were killed as SFs launched the "Operation Khyber-1" in the Akakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said three hideouts of the militants were also destroyed in the operation.

Two Dir Scouts officials were killed and two others injured when their vehicle struck an IED in Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur Agency.

At least 37 militants were killed and 50 others, including important 'commanders', were surrendered to the SFs in operation Khyber-I, which successfully continued for the third consecutive day in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. SFs have launched military operation Khyber-I in the Agency to eliminate militants amid Zarb-e-Azb operation in North Waziristan.

Four bullet-riddled bodies were recovered from Akakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Unidentified militants abducted a FC soldier from Akakhel area of Bara in Khyber Agency. The official had come home on leave from Karachi.

A group of 80 militants renounced insurgency and laid down their weapons. The group, led by 'commander' Haji Faqeer, was associated with LI and was active in the Shalobar area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency.

The PAF fighter jets blitzed suspected terrorist hideouts in Madakhel, Dattakhel and Shawal Valley of North Waziristan Agency in the FATA and reportedly killed 30 militants, including a TTP 'commander' Daud Wazir, and injured dozen others. Sources said that 'commander' Daud was a resident of Doga Madakhel and was an important commander of Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction of TTP.

A man was killed when a mortar shell fired from Afghanistan hit a house in Charmang Babra area of Nawagai tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The sources said that two mortar shells were fired from Kunar province of Afghanistan and one of the shells hit a house in Charmang Babra and killed one local, identified as Sher Ali.

Three security forces personnel were injured in Ghakhi area in Bajaur Agency when unidentified militants opened fire from across the border in Afghanistan.

A tribal elder Malik Muhammad Jamal was on his way home from the mosque when an explosive device planted by militants went off in Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur Agency. He sustained critical injuries.

Militants had threatened to target polio teams participating in the ongoing polio drive. Pamphlets were distributed in different areas of Bajaur Agency warning the tribesmen of dire consequences for continuing the anti-polio campaign.

Two security personnel were killed and three others injured in a rocket attack by the militants on a fort in Dattakhel area of NWA in FATA. Official sources said that the militants fired five rockets on the SFs camp and the SF responded to the attack with fire.

Two children died as a mortar shell hit a house in the Sipah area of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency.

Three persons were injured when a remote-controlled blast targeted a polio team in Dabara area of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The injured included two Levies personnel on security duty and a driver.

Six militants, two civilians and a soldier were killed in fresh clashes during Operation Khyber-1 in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. The militants killed in clashes were reported to be affiliated with LI. The sources said unidentified militants opened fire on a soldier with sniper gun in the Aziz Market in Akakhel area, leaving him dead on the spot. Two soldiers sustained injuries in a roadside blast in the Seyal Khan Killay in Akakhel, the sources added.

Two persons were killed and another was injured when SFs fired at them in Seyal Khan Killay. It was learnt that the soldiers mistook them for militants.

Two persons were wounded when a mortar shell hit a vehicle carrying the displaced persons in the Alamgudar area. The injured Sawab Khan and Alam belonged to the Qambarkhel tribe.

According to reports, more than 50 terrorists have been killed in Bara and Tirah Valley during the seven days of Operation Khyber-1. Moreover, a total of 6,000 families have moved to safer places.

Authorities seized an explosive-laden vehicle meant for a terror attack at Landi Kotal Bazaar of Khyber Agency in FATA. The vehicle contained 250 kilogrammes of explosives and the bomb would have been devastating if detonated, security officials said.

At least 33 militants were killed when jets and helicopter gunships attacked suspected militant hideouts in Dattakhel and Gharlamai Districts of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. “In two different aerial engagements in North Waziristan today, nine terrorist hideouts were destroyed killing a total of 33 terrorists,” a military statement said. Local security officials said the militants killed in the Dattakhel area were mostly Uzbeks and others belonged to the Haqqani Network.

At least nine FC soldiers were injured when militants targeted a Security Forces vehicle with an IED in Charmang tehsil of Bajaur Agency.

Unidentified militants blew up Government Primary School, Sultan Khel, in Akakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency. However, no casualties were reported.

At least 21 terrorists and eight soldiers were killed during a ‘clearance operation’ codenamed Khyber-I in the Spin Qamar area of Khyber Agency in FATA. “Twenty-one terrorists were killed and several others injured during a major clearance operation in Khyber Agency by Security Forces on Wednesday,” the ISPR said in a statement.

At least 20 militants were killed and five militant hideouts were destroyed during targeted aerial strikes by fighter jets in Akakhel, Tirah and other areas of the Khyber Agency in FATA. The ISPR, in a statement said that the fighter aircraft struck militant hideouts as part of ongoing Khyber Operation-1. The details, however, could not be verified as access for journalists is restricted in the area.

A US drone strike killed at least seven militants, including the important ‘commander’ of the Haqqani network, Abdullah Haqqani, in Nargas village of Birmal area in SWA. “At least seven militants were killed in the drone strike,” an intelligence official based in Wana said, adding that the dead included four foreigners and Abdullah Haqqani. “Abdullah Haqqani (the commander) was responsible for sending suicide bombers to Afghanistan”.

Foreign office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said that out of the total 67,120 people who migrated to Afghanistan since the launch of operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA, 38,000 have returned. Aslam told journalists that 3 million Afghan refugees are currently in the country and Pakistan would like to see them return to their country willingly and in a respectful manner adding that the understanding with UNHCR on the matter is expiring in 2015.

At least 20 militants and six personnel of SFs were killed and three others were injured in an attack against a check post in Lower Orakzai Agency of FATA. The militants attacked the Zwan security checkpost, killing six SFs.

A soldier of Bajaur Levies forces was killed and another was injured in an IED explosion while they were on routine patrolling in Qamar Sar area of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency.

Eight persons kidnapped in Orakzai Agency four months ago were safely released by their captors on October 30in Orakzai Agency. The Political Agent of the Agency Zubair Khan said that these people were abducted when they were travelling through the Marai area of the region. Those set free were identified as Muhamamd Raouf, Qadam Khan, Mehmood, Muhamamd Usman, Faizullah, Naveed Ali, Sabir Ali, and Kiramat Ali.

Five LI militants and a soldier were killed in a clash during the Operation Khyber-1 in the Akakhel area of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Five militants were killed when SFs pounded their hideouts in the Shireen Darra mountains of Orakzai Agency with heavy weapons. Sources said the militants fired 10 rockets from the mountain peaks in Shireen Darra and one of the shells landed close to the Levies Force check post adjacent to the Headquarters Chowk. A civilian identified as Din Gul died and four Levies soldiers sustained injuries in the attack. SFs killed five militants in retaliatory fire.

Three civilians, including two women, were killed and five others sustained injuries when mortar shells fired from unknown location hit houses in the Daroadda area in Akakhel of Khyber Agency.

One person was killed in another firing incident in Alamgudar area of Akakhel. Sources said Muhammad Ali along his friend was on his way home from Alamgudar when unidentified people fired at them, killing Muhammad Ali on the spot while his friend sustained injuries.

Two persons, including personnel of Khasadar Force, were killed and three others, including a child, also sustained injuries when two mortars landed in Kalaya town of Orakzai Agency.

At least five suspected militants were killed and eight others were injured as SFs targeted militant hideouts in the Drewand, Aarinam Wanra, and Zor kaley areas of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. According to sources, the SFs destroyed four militant hideouts that belonged to the LI.

Two SFs and two TI peace committee volunteers were killed in two consecutive bomb blasts in Paindi Cheena area of Zakhakhel in Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency.

At least 10 LI militants were killed when SFs pounded their hideout in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Two mourners, identified as Mir Ahmed Khan and Ghulam Akbar, were killed and 28 others were injured when militants fired rockets at Ashura (10th day of Muharram) procession that was taken out from an Imambargah (Shia place of commemoration) in Merazai area of Lower Orakzai Agency.

10 suspected militants have been arrested during a search operation by security forces in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency.

30 militants, including LI 'commanders' surrendered to the authorities in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. They said that 'commander' Kandahar, the chief of his own militant group of Zakhakhel tribe, had surrendered along with dozens of his companions in the Agency. The sources said that commander Kandahar and his companions laid down arms and vowed not to challenge the writ of the state.

Seven peace volunteers were killed and two injured in twin bomb attacks on peace militia volunteers in the Safi tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. The first IED planted by the roadside was detonated when two volunteers of a peace committee drove past on a motorcycle in the Chinari area. The volunteers, identified as Mussawar and Nazeer were critically wounded. When the injured were being shifted to a nearby coach, a second IED went off, killing Mussawar, Nazeer and five others, including coach driver Akhtar Gul, Muswair Vilayat Khan and Ali Saeed. Mussawar, Nazeer are said to be relatives of peace committee leader Darya Khan. The Jamaatul Ahrar fraction of TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.

Six suspected militants were killed and 10 others injured when jet fighters pounded Akakhel and Sepah areas of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency. The sources said the jet fighters targeted hideouts of the militants affiliated with the Mangal Bagh-led LI and the TTP in which two of their hideouts were also destroyed.

A passenger van hit an explosive device in which four persons including the driver, Ali Muhammad, Akhtar Gul, Qahar and Wilayat were killed on the spot at Ghallanai area of Mohmand Agency. Two other persons Nawaz and Aqeel Said were wounded in the blast.

Dead bodies of 17 militants were recovered from the Spin Qabar area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. However, these claims could not be independently verified as journalists have limited access to the restive tribal agency.

One militant was killed and four others arrested during a search operation conducted by SFs in the Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency. The SFs also seized large cache arms and ammunition during the search operation.

At least 27 militants were killed while two soldiers also died as SFs carried out aerial strikes in Akakhel and Tirah areas of Khyber Agency in FATA. Ten militants’ hideouts and an ammunition depot were also destroyed, an ISPR statement said, adding that those killed included a key militant commander and two suicide bombers.

With SFs targeting hideouts of LI in Khyber Agency, TTP ‘chief’ Maulvi Fazalullah announced his group will cooperate with the LI. “Some of the TTP fighters have already been dispatched to Khyber Agency and others should wait for further instructions. They should arm themselves and start physical and spiritual preparations,” said Fazalullah.

With the Operation Khyber-1 against the LI in Khyber Agency completing its three weeks, the number of displaced families from both Tirah and Bara has reached 34,054. According to the FDMA data released on Friday, 245,482 people, including 136,713 children and 55,229 women, moved out of Akkakhel, Sipah, Akkakhel and Kamarkhel areas of Tirah and Bara during the last three weeks. The FDMA had established four registration points for the dislocated Bara and Tirah families soon after the start of the Khyber One operation.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif opened a key road in the South Waziristan Agency that will facilitate trade with neighbouring Afghanistan. The Central Trade Corridor (CTC) is a strategic road link to facilitate trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan and will directly and indirectly help revive the local economy in the country’s tribal regions and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Amy said. An international standard, 705-km-long road network through the southern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, the CTC is being built by army engineers and funded by friendly countries, an Army statement said.

At least four militants and two soldiers were killed in an exchange of fire during clearance operation near the Afghan border in Gharlamai area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

Two persons were killed and two others were injured in two separate IED blasts that took place in the Narai Baba area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency. According to official sources, the first blast occurred near a peace committee post and left one person dead, who was said to be a peace volunteer of Tauheedul Islam. Two other TI activists also sustained injuries in the explosion. In the second explosion, another peace committee volunteer was killed.

Three key ‘commanders’ of LI surrendered to authorities after laying down their arms. Official sources say that the newly appointed ‘spokesman’ of the LI Saifullah Saif, Commander Ilyas and Commander Wajid announced that they were leaving the LI and have surrendered. Saifullah Saif belongs to the Qambar Khel tribe, Ilyas to Sipah area, while Commander Wajid is from the Malik Din Khel tribe.

Khyber Agency Political Agent Shahab Ali Shah said that the security of militants who surrendered during Operation Khyber-I is the Government’s responsibility. While addressing a news conference at Khyber House, Shah said the Government would provide security to militants and members of banned outfits who surrendered.

The JuA fraction of TTP confirmed the death of one of its key ‘commanders’ in latest air strikes in Khyber Agency. JuA ‘spokesperson’ Ehsanullah Ehsan said their commander Abu Jandal was killed in the bombing on November 9. “Abu Jandal belonged to Mohmand Agency and had been operating from Khyber agency,” said Ehsan. “Yesterday on 9/11/14, enemy indiscriminately bombed the area and as a result Commander Abu Jandal of TTP Jamaatul Ahrar embraced shahadat,” Ehsan said in a statement.

At least 15 militants and six security personnel injured during a clash between militants and SF personnel in the Shirin Dara area of Orakzai Agency in FATA.

SF personnel in precise aerial strikes in Daras area of Khyber Agency killed 13 militants including some foreigners. “Strikes were carried out on credible intelligence about presence of terrorists involved in Wagah border suicide attack,” said a statement issued by the ISPR. During the strikes, fighter jets destroyed three militant hideouts including an ammunition depot. Intelligence sources believe that the mastermind and handlers of Wagah border incident might be among the dead. The information, however, could not be verified independently due to restricted access for journalists in the area.

Nine militants were killed and 12 others injured in a clash between SF personnel and militants in the Akakhel area of Bara tehsil. According to sources, four key militant commanders have also surrendered to the authorities following the clash.

The SF personnel are successfully moving forward with their military offensive operation ‘Khyber-1’ which is aimed at flushing out militants from Khyber Agency. According to ISPR, approximately 135 militants have been killed whereas 250 have been arrested, including some key commanders, since the start of the operation.

Six militants were killed in a US drone strike in Doa Toi area of Dattakhel tehsil in NWA. Intelligence sources said that US drone fired two missiles on a compound and a vehicle in Doa Toi area killing six suspected militants and destroyed the compound.

Three Levies officials were killed while two other officials injured when an IED planted by the roadside blew up in Chargo area of Salarzai tehsil in Bajaur Agency while escorting polio teams. A political administration officer, Sahibzada was also hurt in the blast.

At least 19 militants were killed during air strikes in Sandapal and Akakhel areas of Khyber Agency in FATA. According to the ISPR, an important militant 'commander' was also killed. Furthermore, the air strikes destroyed at least five militant hideouts and an ammunition depot in the area.

COAS General Raheel Sharif during the 176th Corps Commanders Conference decided to further scale up the two major military operations simultaneously underway in North Waziristan Agency and Khyber Agency, in order to derive maximum results before the advent of tough weather. According to an intelligence official privy to the meeting’s details, the COAS gave a go-ahead to scale up the military operations in the two tribal agencies in order to secure control of the major part of the respective areas before snowfall in FATA.

Five militants were killed, including a key LI 'commander' Spinbat, in a clash with peace committee members of TI in Narai Baba area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Official sources said that the militants attacked the peace committee volunteers which led to a gun battle between the two groups. Seven TI peace volunteers were injured in the clash.

Chairman of the NDMA Major General Mohammad Saeed Aleem said that the reconstruction of installations damaged during the ongoing operation against militants in North Waziristan Agency would take two years and in separate phases to complete and would cost PKR 75 billion. He said, "In the first phase, the urban areas would be made hospitable, which includes construction of houses and markets and the repair of roads, schools and hospitals. Large-scale reconstruction of the region would take place in the second phase."

At least 30 suspected militants were killed and a number of militant hideouts were destroyed in Dattakhel area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. According to the ISPR, foreign militants were among the 30 who were killed when jet fighters carried out airstrikes in the area.

Militants beheaded a tribesman in public after accusing him of spying for SFs in Mehraban Kalay area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency. According to sources, the militants ordered local people not to remove the body till evening.

Volunteers of the pro-government TI abducted two sympathisers of LI, identified as Niaz and Mehrab Gul, and took them to an unspecified location.

SFs and local political administration extended the deadline to November 15, 2014, for Sipah and Malikdinkhel tribes to vacate their homes. The deadline was extended after tribal elders sought more time to shift families to safe places.

SFs in Kamar Khel area ordered residents to stay indoors at night and warned that anyone violating the order would be shot.

At least 39 LI militants, including their two leaders Akbar and Javed, surrendered to SFs in Khyber Agency.

The FDMA said that 53,819 families comprising 364,960 people have so far moved out of Bara and Tirah valley. There are 213,195 children and 77,319 women among them. The authority said that each family had been provided with one meal, free transportation and emergency health care. Children under the age of five have been vaccinated against polio.

A statement issued in Peshawar (provincial capital of KP), the FATA Secretariat said that the Pakistan Government is set to launch FM radio stations in all seven Tribal Agencies with a plan of disseminating information to counter militant propaganda in the area bordering Afghanistan. It also said that a central production house will also be set up at the Secretariat. Additional Chief Secretary FATA, Azam Khan directed the authorities to make arrangements for setting up the radio stations in all tribal agencies of FATA.

At least 34 terrorists were killed during the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb in Dattakhel area of NWA in FATA. According to ISPR, some important militant 'commanders' and foreign terrorists were among those killed.

Seven militants were killed in an encounter with SFs during a search operation in Datta Khel area.

Four soldiers were killed and at least eight were missing after militants using rockets and grenades stormed Spara Gher checkpoint in Dattakhel area. Three unnamed military sources said a major was among those killed in the attack. 11 others soldiers were injured in the attack.

At least 27 terrorists, including key 'commander' and foreigners, were killed in an air raid carried out by SFs in Dattakhel area. Three soldiers, including an Army officer were also killed in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

The Army said that 10 militants surrendered to SFs along with their weapons and ammunition in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. In a short statement to media, the ISPR said 350 militants have so far surrendered to SFs since the start of Operation Khyber-1 last month. The total number includes more than 20 key militant commanders, said the statement. On November 14, 39 militants belonging to LI surrendered to SFs – the largest group of militants to give up arms since the launching of the intelligence-based operation. The military launched the offensive on October 16 with air strikes against LI hideouts in the areas of Tirah and Bara controlled by militant ‘commander’ Mangal Bagh. The Tariq Afridi group of TTP also controls several parts of Tirah valley, but the outfit joined hands with LI chief Mangal Bagh after he invited all militant groups to come to Bara and fight against SFs following the launch of the military operation.

According to ISPR sources, at least 135 militants have been killed and at least 250 arrested since the start of the operation. The FDMA says 53,819 families comprising 364,960 people have so far moved out of Bara and Tirah valley. There are 213,195 children and 77,319 women among them.

ISPR said that the Haqqani Network in the tribal areas is a thing of the past. Talking to Voice of America, ISPR Director General Major General Asim Bajwa said SFs are now engaged in clearing peripheral areas of the agency. Ruling out any discrimination in the operation he said sanctuary of Afghanistan’s Haqqani Network in Pakistan’s tribal areas is a thing of the past.

At least six militants, including an alleged ‘key commander’, were killed in military air strikes in Malikdin Khel area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Military jets targeted suspected militant hideouts in various areas of the region killing six militants and wounding several others. The identity of the commander killed in the strikes was being ascertained.

Two persons, including a student, were killed and another injured in a roadside blast in Nastikot area near Parachinar, the headquarters of Kurram Agency. The sources said that a school van was carrying children to school when it hit a landmine planted at the roadside in Nastikot area. Official sources said that a student identified as Mehdi Hussan and driver Qaiser Hussain were killed on the spot while another student Rahila, who is also daughter of the driver, sustained critical injuries.

A man identified as Javed Hussain was injured in another blast in Pewar area in Kurram Agency. Javed, who returned home from abroad, stepped on a mine and sustained injuries in the subsequent explosion.

About 9,300 more families have been displaced during the ongoing military operation ‘Khyber-I’ launched in Bara and Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Director General FDMA Anila Durrani said a summary for according uniform status to all IDPs had already been put up to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor for approval.

Six militants were killed and three others sustained injuries in a US drone attack on a house in the Madakhel village of NWA in FATA. Official sources said the drone fired two missiles at a house where local and foreign militants were reported to have been hiding.

The spokesman of AQIS, Osama Mahmood confirmed that his organization’s No. 2 key leaders Major (retd) Adil Abdul Quddus, Dr Sarbuland alias Abu Khalid and his two sons were killed in a US drone strike in Pak-Afghan border area on November 9. According to details, Major (retd) Adil was brother in law of Dr Sarbuland alias Abu Khalid. It is relevant to mention here that mastermind of 9/11 attack, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, had been arrested from the residence of Major (retd) Adil’s brother from Rawalpindi in March 2003. Major (retd) Adil had also been nabbed after the arrest of Khalid Sheikh Mohammad and later sentenced in Pakistani prison for six years. Major (retd) Adil was court-martialed and released in 2008 after completing his term in prison. The release further stated that Dr. Sarbuland was a competent surgeon, as well as a finest instructor of battlefield. He fought both against the Russia and the US,” said the group’s spokesperson.

At least 22 militants were killed as targeted aerial strikes struck militant hideouts in various parts of Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. The ISPR confirmed that the jets strikes destroyed many of the militant hideouts.

At least three LI militants were killed and two others were injured in a clash between LI militants and a local peace committee member of TI in Naraye Baba area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Sources added that the death toll from the skirmish is likely to rise.

A key commander of LI, Noor Zadin, was beheaded by unidentified assailants in Tirah Valley of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. Sources said that Noor Zadin was beheaded and his body dumped in a hilly area in Akakhel. However, the reasons behind the killing could not be known. No group has claimed responsibility for the beheading so far.

The SFs and the pro-Government peace committee based in Bara launched a search operation against the militants in Akakhel area and arrested 100 suspects. According to the sources, the security forces and the peace body led by Haji Faqir, a former commander of the LI, jointly launched search operation against the militants belonging to various tribes, including Shalobar, Malikdinkhel and Akakhel. The search operation has been going on for the last five days.

Polio vaccination began in South Waziristan on November 24 after a break of two-and-a-half years. WHO has termed it a positive development for the eradication of polio virus from the country. TTP had imposed a ban on polio vaccination in June 2012 after it was revealed that a physician, Dr Shakeel Afridi, had helped CIA run a fake hepatitis vaccine programme in Abbottabad, to confirm Osama bin Laden's presence in the city by obtaining DNA samples.

At least 20 militants were killed and eight others were injured in air strikes in the Dattakhel area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. According to ISPR, the airstrikes were carried out in the Dattakhel area where Operation Zarb-i-Azb is under way.

Two personnel of the FWO went missing near the Pak-Afghan Torkham border area in the Khyber Agency. Sources in the political administration confirmed that the two personnel had gone missing. They also suspect that the missing personnel may have crossed the border into Afghanistan.

Seven militants were killed when US drone fired two missiles at a house in the Shawal area of NWA in FATA. "According to intercepts of the internal conversations of militants, seven militants died in the drone strike," one official said on condition of anonymity. There was no further information about the identity of the militants due to a lack of communication in the area.

Two bullet-riddled bodies were found from Kalanga area in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. The dead bodies were identified as Musawir Khan and Fazal Rahman.

The ISIS distributed pamphlets in Wana area of the SWA, demanding cooperation of the people. According to details, the pamphlets issued warning to the authorities who are against extremist activities. Pamphlets by the ISIS also made an appeal to the residents of the area to cooperate with ISIS. According to the pamphlets, ISIS would counter its opposition in every district and village. Furthermore, pamphlets also state that they have got permission of the chief of the ISIS to conduct counter attacks.

Eleven militants were killed and five of their hideouts destroyed in air strikes in Kukikhel area of in Tirah valley of FATA. Official sources said that eight militants belonging to the Tariq Afridi faction of TTP were killed when military planes bombed their hideouts in Tor Darra, Sur Kas, Sra Vela and Wacho Wany areas. Three LI militants were killed in similar attacks in Naakai area of Malikdin Khel and Gaary area of Qambar Khel. Five hideouts were destroyed.

SFs put on fire some houses of militants affiliated with the LI. An unspecified number of civilians, including three teenagers, were released by SFs after questioning.

Two key TTP 'commanders', Abubakar and Wajid, were killed in a clash with the SFs in Lashora area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Several militant hideouts were destroyed in Hassan Khel area of FR Peshawar during a SFs operation. The operation was launched after midnight of November 29 when a large contingent of the Pakistan Army, armed with mortar batteries, stealthily entered the area and surrounded the hilly terrain. Army targeted militant hideouts deep within the mountain ranges by early morning. The militants offered some resistance before disappearing into the heavily-forested hills.

Pakistan's military killed Adnan el Shukrijumah (39), a Saudi national and senior al Qaeda commander along with his associate and a local facilitator in Wana, the headquarters of South Waziristan tribal region of FATA in a predawn ground raid on a militant hideout close to the border with Afghanistan. One soldier was also killed and another wounded during the raid.

The ISPR said that up to 30 militants were killed when militants' hideouts were pounded in Mra Panga and Masdaq villages of the Dattakhel area in NWA of FATA on strong intelligence reports about the presence of Hafiz Gul Bahadur and his deputy Maulvi Sadiq Noor there.

Four soldiers and 12 militants were killed while four troops sustained injuries when militants attacked a bunker of SFs in the Akakhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency. Sources said that dozens of LI and the TTP militants stormed the bunker from two directions with heavy weapons in the Akakhel area.

At least 11 militants were killed and 12 others injured as jet fighters struck militant hideouts in Kukikhel, Malikdin Khel, and Akakhel areas of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. A statement issued by the ISPR said that jet fighters targeted and destroyed three militant bases in the fresh airstrike.

Two LI militants were killed in clashes with pro-government peace committee TI in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. Also, the sources said the peace body volunteers captured the bunker of the militants.

Five suspected militants were killed and 10 others sustained injuries in a clash with SFs in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. The sources said the militants belonging to the LI and TTP equipped with heavy weapons attacked a bunker of SFs in the Tirah Valley in the night of December 13. The soldiers at the checkpost repulsed the attack, killing five militants and injuring 10 others.

Unidentified militants kidnapped and killed a retired Levies Hawaldar, Jamal Hussain, belonging to Tori tribe, in Tangey area of Kurram Agency.

The DG ISPR, Major General Asim Bajwa said Pakistan Army launched 20 air strikes including "dynamic targeting" killing 57 terrorists in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. The attacks were carried out in Garhi, Dars, Dwa Thoe and Thor Darra areas of Tirah Valley.

Twenty militants, including an important Uzbek commander, Islamuddin, were killed when the PAF jet fighters blitzed their hideouts in the Akakhel, Sepah and Kukikhel areas of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said the jet fighters targeted the hideouts of LI-led by Mangal Bagh and TTP-Tariq group, in different areas of Tirah valley.

10 militants were killed and two were seriously injured in a ground action at Malak Shaga Nullah near Warwandu Mella and Hossai Nullah in Bajaur Agency. Six-eight militants managed to escape. Two security personnel were wounded and others were chasing the fleeing militants.

Earlier in the day, three personnel of FC were killed in a remote controlled bomb blast in the Damadola area in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency. Sources said that militants had planted an IED on roadside in the Damadola area and targeted the personnel of FC when they were returning after performing duty at a checkpoint. Three personnel identified as Hanif, Awal Khan and Gul Said were killed on the spot. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.

Five militants, including the brother of one of the masterminds of the APS attack in Peshawar, were killed in the night in an encounter with Security Forces in Koi Hassan Khel area of FR Peshawar. An official of the political administration said that the SFs handed over to them the dead bodies of the militants killed in an exchange of fire in a cricket ground in Koi Hassan Khel. "One of them has been identified as Mustafa alias Manan, a resident of Adezai and brother of Orangzeb alias Umar alias Naray, the current Amir 'chief' of TTP-Darra Adam Khel Chapter, who is said to be one of the many masterminds of the APS attack," the official said.

"Another has been identified as Hidayat alias Saleem, while three bodies are yet to be identified," he added. Further, the official said that the militants were on the run following the recent military operations and the group's head was hiding somewhere in Afghanistan. "These people used the cover of the night for their movement and security forces had information about it so they intercepted then," the official said.

At least 21 militants, belonging to TTP and LI, were killed and six others were injured when PAF fighter jets bombed the militants' hideouts in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Also, seven hideouts were completely destroyed in the aerial strikes.

US drone strike fired two missiles and killed at least six suspected terrorists in Mada Khail neighborhood of Datta Khail in North Waziristan Agency. "The death toll is expected to rise," said an unnamed senior security official. The incident was confirmed by local intelligence sources.

At least 25 militants were killed and three soldiers sustained injuries in a clash at Baghzai check post in the Shawal area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. The sources said about 200 militants, equipped with light and heavy weapons, in the small hours of Sunday attacked the Baghzai check post manned by the Pakistan Army 30-Baloch Regiment in the Shawal area.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a tribal elder, Malik Faqir Jan, in Mundan area of Kurram Agency. The sources said that Malik Faqir Jan was on way to Sadda bazaar from central Kurram Agency when unidentified assailants opened fire on his vehicle in Mundan area. Malik Faqir was killed on the spot while his driver sustained critical injuries.

Six militants were killed in a clash during a search operation in Halki Gandhab area of Mohmand Agency in FATA. Sources said that personnel of the Swat Scouts were conducting a search operation in Halki Gandhab when militants attacked the search party. The soldiers repulsed the attack and killed six militants in the retaliatory fire.

Security personnel recovered six bullet-riddled bodies from the Yakagund area of Mohmand Agency. Official sources said the victims had been shot dead and their bodies were dumped in Yakagund.

A body bearing torture marks was found in Naye Abade area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency.

One tribal elder, Malik Badshah Khan Sikandar Khel, was shot dead in Malak Shaga locality of Ghundi when he was going to Jamrud bazaar in Khyber Agency of FATA. SFs reached the area swiftly and shot dead a suspected militant and arrested five of his accomplices. SFs combed the Ghundi area after the incident and picked up at least 45 suspects.

One Zai Khan Kattakhel was killed by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle in Shah Kas area of Jamrud.

At least 23 militants were killed during airstrikes conducted by military fighter jets targeting militant hideouts in Madakhel, Lataka and Basikel areas of Dattakhel in NWA of FATA. At least six hideouts were destroyed. The airstrikes targeted the hideouts of Uzbek militants and there are reports that a key 'commander' is among the dead.

At least seven terrorists were killed and five others sustained injuries in two US drone attacks targeting two compounds of TTP-Punjab Chapter militants (also known as Punjabi Taliban) in the Shawal area of NWA. According to sources, the first drone fired two missiles and struck a compound at Kand Ghar area in Shawal Valley. "Four militants were killed and three others sustained critical injuries in the first attack," said an unnamed official. In the second attack, the sources said, the drone fired two missiles and hit a house in the Mangroti area in the Shawal Valley where Punjabi Taliban militants were hiding. According to official sources, three militants were killed and two others were injured in the missile strikes. Some reports suggested that three Uzbek militants were also killed in the two drone strikes carried out by the US drone.

SFs seized a huge quantity of arms and explosives, including 22 mortar shells, 66 landmines and 35 kilograms of explosives, from a house during a search operation in Lakaro area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency. Sources added that the SFs have also recovered rockets from the house.

Unnamed official sources said that the SFs have formally cleared most of Bara tehsil of militants setting the stage for the repatriation of around 100,000 displaced families next week. The sources said that last week, the Civil Secretariat (FATA) withdrew the notification, which was issued some years ago to declare most parts of Khyber Agency's Bara tehsil conflict zone, after the SFs restored peace there by eliminating militants.

They said the FDMA had sought PKR 3.5 billion from the Federal Government for the repatriation of IDPs to Khyber Agency. An official said the FDMA had asked the finance division to release the required amount of money immediately to start repatriation of IDPs from January 15, 2015.

At least 12 militants were killed and five SFs were injured when SFs repulsed attacks on two check posts in Shindara and Khazana Kandao area of Orakzai Agency in FATA.

Three SF personnel were injured in an IED explosion near a vehicle of the SFs carrying oil on Khapakh Road of Safi tehsil in Mohammad Agency of FATA on the afternoon. The vehicle was also partially damaged. After the explosion, the political administration demolished the house of a suspect identified as Arif, while six tribesmen were arrested under the collective responsibility clause of the Frontier Crimes Regulations.

One SFs personnel was killed while two others were severely injured in two separate IED blasts in Qandharo area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA.

Unidentified militants set fire to two primary schools at Manndan and Kanddali Baba areas of Kurram Agency. Amjad Ali Khan, the Agency's top administrative official, said that the attackers had doused furniture with petrol before setting it ablaze. All the wooden benches and desks along with school records were destroyed and buildings were damaged, Khan said.

At least 23 militants were killed when PAF fighter jets pounded suspected militant positions in the Shawal area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. The ISPR in a statement said four terrorists' hideouts were destroyed through what it termed "effective and precise aerial strikes" in the Shawal area.

A militant was killed in a clash with the SFs in Ghundi area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency. Sources said that a group of militants attacked a checkpost in Ghundi area. The SFs repulsed the attack and killed a militant identified as Fazlur Rehman in the ensuing clash. The sources said that another militant, who sustained injuries in the clash, managed to escape from the scene.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan has said that the FIWA will be formed to improve infrastructure facilities in tribal areas, especially the transportation, power generation and public services. He said this during a presentation on concept clearance paper on the establishment of FIWA at the provincial Governor's house. FATA Additional Chief Secretary Muhammad Azam Khan briefed the Governor on the concept paper. The Governor said that FATA region needed to be developed, adding that FIWA should be established. He also stressed certain priority aspects to ensure sustainability and maintenance of the infrastructure in FATA.

The Government's infrastructures worth one billion rupees have been turned into rubble in the conflict-stricken NWA of FATA, a damage need assessment report said. The Line Departments of Civil Secretariat, FATA have carried out damage need assessment survey of the Government owned properties in Mir Ali and Miranshah sub-divisions of NWA. Survey of the damaged infrastructure was conducted after security forces cleared these areas of militants. The report said that 115 facilities including education and health and 102 kilometres roads had been either completely or partially damaged in the affected areas. Officials said that assessment was carried out in August 2014.

Militancy and disproportionate use of force have caused massive collateral damage to the properties in other tribal agencies too. Earlier, damage need assessment survey carried out under the supervision of FDMA revealed that over 60,000 houses had been damaged in Orakzai, Khyber, South Waziristan and Kurram agencies.

The report said that reconstruction of the damaged facilities required Rs1.79 billion. Sector-wise breakup is that total 31 educational institutions (six 100 per cent, nine 50 per cent and 16 20 per cent), eight health facilities, two buildings of the works and services department, 13 facilities of livestock, seven agriculture, eight public health engineering, 35 municipal committee including 21 shops, two sport facilities and 19 irrigation department have been damaged.

According to the report, 102 kilometres road have been damaged in different areas and repair cost is PKR 229 million. The report said that estimated cost of the reconstruction of educational institutions was PKR 67.135 million, facilities of irrigation department PKR 181 million, buildings of works and services PKR 200 million and health facilities PKR 288 million.