FATA Timeline - 2017

January 11

JI ameer (chief), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mushtaq Ahmad called for merger of FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and also stated that the people of the FATA were deprived of basic and democratic rights for the last seven decades, reports The News. Mushtaq Ahmed also rejected the FCR, saying it was a black law. "If no solid steps were taken for the merger of the FATA with KP and uplift of the tribal areas, we will have no other option but to march on Islamabad," he said. Mushtaq Ahmad asked the Government to announce PKR 1,000 billion uplift package for the tribal areas.

Earlier, JUI-F leaders on January 8 rejected the federal government's plan to merge FATA with KP and threatened to launch a protest movement if any changes were 'imposed' on the tribal people. "We request the federal government, especially the prime minister, to stop implementation of the reforms until every stockholder is taken on board, otherwise the JUI-F would start an agitation campaign across FATA," threatened Abdul Shakoor, head (FATA) JUI-F.

The FO rejected allegations of terrorist safe havens in the FATA, saying Pakistan does not allow its territory to be used for attacks against any other country. Responding to queries during the weekly news briefing, FO Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said Afghanistan was infested with a number of terrorist organisations due to its instability. This, he added, created space for terrorist elements such as Haqqani network's leadership, TTP, Daesh, and al Qaeda, among other terrorist organisations. "It is, therefore, not appropriate to blame others for the adversities due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan. The oft repeated claims regarding safe havens are, therefore, more of a rhetoric than anything else," the spokesperson maintained.

JI ameer (chief), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mushtaq Ahmad called for merger of FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and also stated that the people of the FATA were deprived of basic and democratic rights for the last seven decades, reports The News. Mushtaq Ahmed also rejected the FCR, saying it was a black law. "If no solid steps were taken for the merger of the FATA with KP and uplift of the tribal areas, we will have no other option but to march on Islamabad," he said. Mushtaq Ahmad asked the Government to announce PKR 1,000 billion uplift package for the tribal areas.

Earlier, JUI-F leaders on January 8 rejected the federal government's plan to merge FATA with KP and threatened to launch a protest movement if any changes were 'imposed' on the tribal people. "We request the federal government, especially the prime minister, to stop implementation of the reforms until every stockholder is taken on board, otherwise the JUI-F would start an agitation campaign across FATA," threatened Abdul Shakoor, head (FATA) JUI-F.

The FO rejected allegations of terrorist safe havens in the FATA, saying Pakistan does not allow its territory to be used for attacks against any other country. Responding to queries during the weekly news briefing, FO Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said Afghanistan was infested with a number of terrorist organisations due to its instability. This, he added, created space for terrorist elements such as Haqqani network's leadership, TTP, Daesh, and al Qaeda, among other terrorist organisations. "It is, therefore, not appropriate to blame others for the adversities due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan. The oft repeated claims regarding safe havens are, therefore, more of a rhetoric than anything else," the spokesperson maintained.

At least 25 people were killed and more than 87 others were injured in a bomb blast at the Sabzi Mandi (vegetable market) area of Parachinar in Kurram Agency of FATA in the morning. A statement issued by the ISPR said IED blast took place at 08:50am. Government official Shahid Khan said the explosion took place when the market was crowded with retailers buying fruits and vegetables. In a text message sent to journalists, the al-Alami (International) faction of LeJ claimed that it, along with the TTP splinter Shehryar Mehsud group, carried out the attack. The Shehryar Mehsud group did not independently claim the bombing.

The COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa said terrorists would not be allowed to derail the stability of FATA. According to a statement issued by ISPR Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor, General Qamar Javed Bajwa said this during his visit to Parachinar and Peshawar. The COAS was given a detailed briefing on January 21's bombing in Parachinar. General Bajwa lauded the support of tribal people in combating terrorism and acknowledged their sacrifices for peace. He said that with their support the Army, FC and other law enforcers have done a great job in stabilising the area and terrorists will fail to derail it. The COAS lauded their efforts in maintaining tribal and sectarian harmony which is source of national integration. He said, "Pakistan belongs to all of us without any religious, provincial, tribal, linguistic, ethnic, sectarian or any other discrimination."

Authorities arrested eight more suspects in connection with the Parachinar market bomb blast in Kurram Agency of FATA on January 21, as the number of detained persons reached 15. Officials said that investigations were underway from different angles to arrest the elements involved in the blast. After the explosion, the administration took into custody seven people who were being interrogated. Sources said most of the arrested persons were daily wagers who were present at the spot during auction of vegetables in the morning.

A Pakistan Army soldier, Waqas, who was critically injured in a cross-border terrorist attack in Khyber Agency of FATA, succumbed to his injuries. "Terrorists fired from across the border on a Pakistani post in Khyber Agency critically injuring Sepoy Waqas performing duty at the border post," read a statement issued by the ISPR.

A grand jirga of elders from Khyber Agency was held in Jamrud town, opposing the proposed merger of the FATA with KP. Jirga participants urged the Government instead to form an independent FATA Legislative Council or announce a separate province status for the tribal areas. Malik Ghaffar Khan Afridi, a tribal elder, said that the merger of FATA with KP was unacceptable to tribal people. He said the proposed legislative council should be formed to legislate for the tribal region in line with the local social, political and traditions. The elder believed that the FATA reforms proposed by the government committee went against tribal customs and traditions. He said legislation and policies on Fata should be made in light of local traditions and customs. Malik Ghaffar Khan Afridi opposed the extension of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and high courts to FATA, saying local residents knew very well how to resolve their issues through a jirga system.

Five persons, including four children, were injured in a roadside bomb blast in Arang tehsil of Bajaur Agency in FATA. The bomb was detonated through a remote control device.

Two militants killed and three others injured when Army repulsed militant attack from Afghanistan on two Pakistan Army checkposts in the Ulai area of Baizai tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA in the night. The Army's media wing, ISPR said that Pakistan Army effectively responded to the fire, rendering it ineffective. Soon after the incident, militants fled back to Afghanistan, ISPR added. The JuA faction of TTP stated that it lost two cadres while three others were injured after they launched an overnight attack on a Pakistani checkpost.

Three FCB personnel were killed in an IED blast in Khan Kot Zarmina area of Toe Khula tehsil in SWA of FATA. The FCB personnel were on a cordon and search operation on motorbikes in Khan Kot Zarmina area when the planted IED went off.

Three Levies personnel and two civilians were killed while eight others injured in twin suicide attacks in Ghalanai Tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. Two suicide bombers tried to enter a compound of the local political administration. When stopped, one of the attackers blew himself up outside the entrance, a senior official said. "The other attacker was shot down by Levies officials who were on guard," the official added.

Following suicide attack, FC launched search operation in Sheikh Banda area and killed five militants. An encounter took place between militants and FC personnel during the search raid, the FC spokesman said. As a consequence, five militants were gunned down. The deceases could not be immediately identified.

Two personnel of the FC were injured when suspected militants attacked a post along the Pak-Afghan border in Khyber Agency of FATA. Troops "effectively responded" to the attack carried out by militants from the Afghan side of the border, the ISPR statement said. According to the ISPR, there are reports of a "few" militants killed in the ensuing exchange of fire.

SFs sources said four key militant commanders were killed in Mumazo area of Lower Orakzai Agency where a search and strike operation was conducted. The forces seized suicide jackets and arms from the location. In another encounter in Lower Kurram Agency, security forces intercepted two terrorists who were planting an IED on roadside and after exchange of firing, both were killed.

Six terrorists were killed and 10 of their hideouts were destroyed during airstrikes near Pak-Afghan border in Khyber Agency. At least 10 hideouts of the terrorists were also destroyed.

Eleven suspected militants allegedly attempting to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan were killed in a clash with SFs in Sapperkot and Para Chamkani area of Kurram Agency in FATA. Two Kurram militia members were also injured in the gun battle between SFs and the militants. The terrorists were trying to enter Kurram Agency via Khyber Agency from Afghanistan when they were intercepted by the security forces and heavy exchange of fire took place.

ISPR claimed that numerous militants were killed when Pakistan Air Force fighter jets pounded militants hideouts who were regrouping in Wucha Bibi area, an Afghan bordering strip in North Waziristan Agency. However, the ISPR press release did not mention the number of militants killed in the arial bombardment.

Army claimed to have conducted and intelligence based operation in Frontier Region Tank of FATA, killing four suspected militants. The ISPR released a statement in this regard, saying the operation was reportedly carried out against Asmatullah Shaheen Bhittani Group of TTP. The ISPR claimed that the suspects killed in the military operation were allegedly high-profile terrorists including the son of former TTP shura member Asmatullah Shaheen. The identities of those killed in the military operation, as provided by the ISPR, are Commander Zaman alias Toofan, Naib Commander Umar s/o Asmatullah Shaheen, Commander Wasiullah and Commander Zulam alias Zulmat. Asmatullah Shaheen was killed by another TTP faction due to an internal rift during 2014. The group was allegedly involved in target killings, extortion and kidnapping for ransom in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and surrounding areas.

The FCB and the FATA political administration razed the house of the suspected facilitator of the Lahore blast and arrested his father and two brothers from Bajaur Agency. The measures were taken in accordance with the FCR territorial responsibility clause, which states that for any mishap, the administration can take the community or family members of the perpetrator to task and punish them under a collective responsibility clause. The suspect was arrested after video evidence placed him in the area of the blast, walking along with the suspected suicide bomber that blew himself on Mall Road near the Punjab Assembly amid a protest. In his confessional statement, shared by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in a media briefing on February 17, the suspect had said he hailed from a remote village in the Bajaur Agency.

Five militants were killed when Air Force targeted their hideouts along Pak-Afghan border in the Rajgal area of Khyber Agency in FATA.

A tribesman, identified as Bahadur Khan, was killed in a roadside bomb blast in Dawizai area of Pandyali tehsil in Mohmand Agency.

A suspected terrorist was arrested and weapons were seized during an intelligence-based operation carried out by the FC in Garhi and Kandi Mashti areas of Kurram Agency in FATA. As many as 10 Rocket Propelled Grenade-7 gun along with six chargers, one grenade launcher, a heavy machinegun with 115 rounds, a spare barrel of heavy machinegun, one 12-bore rifle along with 18 rounds, three .303 rifles along with 520 rounds, six submachine guns, magazines along with 120 rounds and two binoculars were seized during the operation.

A soldier was injured as terrorists from across the border opened fire at a check post in Mangrotai area of South Waziristan Agency in the evening.

The cadres of Islamic State or Daesh hide among the general population, using small businesses as a cover, said a Police official under the condition of anonymity. The official under the condition of anonymity said that their approach differs from the TTP, whose cadres used to openly establish camps in parts of FATA and even in the settled areas of KP. They are highly experienced in sabotage and concealment" since most cadres had previously belonged to the TTP, he added. "These people hide among the (general) population and we have solid evidence suggesting that they engage in small businesses such as fruit vendors, plying pushcarts, using it as a cover, avoiding suspicion … Their strategy is mostly successful," he said, adding that these people rent houses and move frequently to avoid detection. "All new recruits are sent to Afghanistan … Once people know that you are fighting in Afghanistan, chances are that no policeman or anyone else will touch you simply because you are (among) 'good Taliban'," he maintained.

Four militants and two Army personnel, Lieutenant Khawar and Naik Shehzad, were killed in an exchange of fire during an intelligence-based operation conducted by SFs in the Jani Khel area of FR Bannu in FATA, ISPR statement said.

A US drone strike killed two suspected militants in a border village along Pak-Afghan border in Kurram Agency. One official from local Administration said that the missile struck two men riding a motorcycle. It was not clear who was being targeted. There had been no drone strike by the US in Pakistan since May 21, 2016.This was one of the longest periods that no US drone attack had taken place in Pakistan.

At least 10 militants and five soldiers were killed during a clash when militants lunched a cross-border attack on three Pakistani border posts along the Pak-Afghan border area in Mohmand Agency of FATA in the night. The ISPR press release said that five soldiers of the Pakistan Army and more than 10 suspected militants were reportedly killed in the attack. The slain soldiers were identified as Naik Sanaullah, Naik Safdar, Sepoy Altaf, Sepoy Nek Mohammad and Sepoy Anwar.

The cadres of Islamic State or Daesh hide among the general population, using small businesses as a cover, said a Police official under the condition of anonymity. The official under the condition of anonymity said that their approach differs from the TTP, whose cadres used to openly establish camps in parts of FATA and even in the settled areas of KP. They are highly experienced in sabotage and concealment" since most cadres had previously belonged to the TTP, he added. "These people hide among the (general) population and we have solid evidence suggesting that they engage in small businesses such as fruit vendors, plying pushcarts, using it as a cover, avoiding suspicion … Their strategy is mostly successful," he said, adding that these people rent houses and move frequently to avoid detection. "All new recruits are sent to Afghanistan … Once people know that you are fighting in Afghanistan, chances are that no policeman or anyone else will touch you simply because you are (among) 'good Taliban'," he maintained.

Four militants and two Army personnel, Lieutenant Khawar and Naik Shehzad, were killed in an exchange of fire during an intelligence-based operation conducted by SFs in the Jani Khel area of FR Bannu in FATA, ISPR statement said.

A US drone strike killed two suspected militants in a border village along Pak-Afghan border in Kurram Agency. One official from local Administration said that the missile struck two men riding a motorcycle. It was not clear who was being targeted. There had been no drone strike by the US in Pakistan since May 21, 2016.This was one of the longest periods that no US drone attack had taken place in Pakistan.

At least 10 militants and five soldiers were killed during a clash when militants lunched a cross-border attack on three Pakistani border posts along the Pak-Afghan border area in Mohmand Agency of FATA in the night. The ISPR press release said that five soldiers of the Pakistan Army and more than 10 suspected militants were reportedly killed in the attack. The slain soldiers were identified as Naik Sanaullah, Naik Safdar, Sepoy Altaf, Sepoy Nek Mohammad and Sepoy Anwar.

Two personnel of the FC were killed when suspected militants from across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border reportedly attempted to attack a check post in Khyber Agency in the FATA. Pakistani troops "effectively responded", as a result of which six militants were killed during the exchange of fire, the ISPR was quoted as saying.

Five militants, including a high-profile TTP militant, identified as Duran, were killed in an intelligence-based operation carried out by SFs in Mirak village of Kalaya tehsil in Orakzai Agency of FATA. An ISPR press release said two FC personnel also laid down their lives in the exchange of fire that ensued during the operation. The deceased were identified as Major Mudassar and Sepoy Mateeullah.

Two Levies personnel were killed and three others injured when a roadside bomb struck their vehicle at Angoor Adda area of South Waziristan Agency. The vehicle was also badly damaged in the explosion.

SFs recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a raid on a house in Karram village in Mizer Valley area of NWA in FATA. The recovered arms included rockets of various types, seven rocket-propelled grenades launchers, and anti-tank bullets. The security source, however, declined to say if anyone was arrested during the raid.

At least 24 persons were killed and another 100 injured in a suicide attack on an Imambargah in the Noor market area of Parachinar town in Kurram Agency of FATA. Sources said the explosion took place as people gathered for Friday prayers near the women´s entrance of Imambargah. A witness said security personnel at the Imambargah were checking devotees when an unidentified person parked a car next to the building, which then exploded. TTP's faction JuA claimed responsibility for the attack. The blast was part of its operation Ghazi and Shias were the targets, the outfit said in a statement sent to the media.

A high-value terrorist Mehmoodul Hassan alias Khwaja Madni and his accomplice from the TTP' Sajna group were killed in an operation by SFs in Jandola area of SWA, the ISPR statement said. The SFs personnel recovered weapons and ammunitions from the terrorists' hideout.

Unidentified militants fired four missiles from Afghanistan into Kurram Agency of FATA. A spokesperson for the local administration said that the missiles had been fired from Afghanistan's Paktia province and did not cause any loss of life. One missile struck a shop in the Shingak area, another landed near a mosque, and two others in a graveyard at Kachkina.

The ISPR claimed that eight JuA militants had surrendered before the Army in Mohmand Agency of FATA. In a statement issued by the ISPR, the Army said the militants who surrendered include Akbar, Gull, Siraj and five of their accomplices.

The SF seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition during an operation in Kurram Agency of FATA, officials. Political Officer Shahid Ali Khan and Commandant, Kurram Militia, Colonel Umar Malik told reporters that seven rocket launchers, 24 rocket shells, two anti-aircraft guns, 50 hand-grenades and 400 mortar shells were also seized in the operation. The officials said that the densely populated area of the town had been declared 'red zone' on the requests of tribal elders and traders. About 24 kilometer trench had been dug around the town, they said, adding, the trench had disrupted movement through unfrequented routes. The officials said that the trench would be made a ring road in future. They also announced that motorcycles and other vehicles' entry into 'red zone' had been banned.

A child was killed and two persons were injured in a roadside bomb blast in Shinkoot area of Bajaur Agency in the FATA on. Officials said Gul Mast Khan, a local resident, along with his children was coming home from a nearby mosque after offering Friday prayers when a remote-controlled bomb placed along the link road went off. A child identified as Marwan died on the spot while his father and other child, Farmanullah, received serious injuries in the blast. No one claimed responsibility for the blast.

A khasadar, local Policeman, was killed while another was seriously injured when an IED planted along a road hit their motorcycle in Alingar area of Mohmand Agency in FATA. An official said that the deceased, Iqbal Khan, along with another khasadar was patrolling the area when their motorbike was hit by an IED. He died on the spot while his colleague received injuries.

At least 15 people, including five woman and four children, were killed and nine others sustained injuries when a passenger van hit a landmine in the Godar area of Kurram Agency. Sources said that the passenger van was en route to Sadda from Godar when it hit a landmine in Pato Kot village. Injured people included four Khasadar census workers who were scheduled to carry out the activity in the far-flung areas of the agency.

At least six suspected militants were killed and as many were injured when jets pounded their hideouts in the Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Security sources said that warplanes destroyed at least two hideouts of the TTP. One of the hideouts - located in the Rajgal area of Tirah right on the border with Afghanistan - was used by terrorists as an ammunition dump, they revealed.

A suspected US drone strike on a house in the Lawara Mandi area of North Waziristan Agency of FATA killed at least seven militants, security officials said. "There are two militant commanders, Abdul Rehman and Akhtar Mohammad among the dead," an unnamed intelligence official said. "We have received reports of a drone attack in North Waziristan in which some seven militants have been killed," an unnamed security official said. Local intelligence officials said drones were seen in the area before two missiles hit a house in Lawara Mandi area, believed to be used by the TTP. Officials said the missiles could have been fired by US drones, but declined to confirm the origin of the strike.

A terrorist plot was foiled by the Frontier Constabulary in Bar Qambar Khel Bara in the Khyber Agency. During the operation, two terrorists, Shahid and Abdul Raziq, who were planning a major terrorist attack based on foreign directives, were arrested, the ISPR revealed. A large quantity of explosives was also recovered from the terrorists.

Successfully foiling attacks on two check posts of Army from across the border, SFs killed three terrorists and injured several others in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. ISPR said Army troops valiantly repulsed the attack, killing three 'terrorists' and injuring a number of others in an "intense exchange of fire".

Two soldiers were killed in a militant attack on a security check post in the Maidan area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA in the evening. Official sources said that a group of unidentified militants attacked a check post killing two troops. They said that the attackers managed to flee after the incident taking cover of the darkness.

SFs recovered anti-tank mines, suicide jackets, IEDs and explosive cylinder during intelligence-based operations conducted in the Khyber and South Waziristan agencies of FATA. According to an ISPR statement, these operations were conducted under the ongoing Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad.

Two FCB soldiers were injured in cross-border firing in Kurram Agency of FATA from Khost province of Afghanistan. The attack took place as FCB personnel were undertaking construction of a wall along the border on the Pakistani side, the sources said, adding that they returned fire across the border.

SFs foiled a major terror bid near the Pak-Afghan border in Kurram Agency. According to Assistant Political Agent Shahid Ali Khan, SFs fired at an explosive-laden vehicle entering Pakistan from the Paktia province of Afghanistan as they suspected it to be a potential threat. The shots fired at the vehicle detonated the explosives in the van, which, according to Khan, was to be used in a major terror plot in Parachinar.

A political secretary and his security guard were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Walicheena area of Kurram Agency in FATA. The secretary, Sarfraz Hussain and his guard were travelling in a vehicle in Walicheena area when the suspects opened fire and killed them on the spot.

PAF fighter jets pounded several militant hideouts in Rajgal area of Khyber Agency in FATA. According to security sources, PAF F-16 aircraft carried out an airstrike in Rajgal area and destroyed three militant hideouts. The sources further said that suspected terrorists are likely to have been killed in the bombing.

A curfew has been imposed in Mohmand Agency after information was received that six suicide bombers had entered the Agency. The curfew was imposed as a preventative measure, Political administration official said, adding that the agency has been at security risk for quite some time now. Law enforcement personnel said they had been instructed to shoot if they saw anything suspicious. Educational institutions, offices and market places were closed down after the curfew was imposed and a blanket ban was placed on any social activity.

Five people, including one levies personnel, were killed in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Akakhel area of Tirah valley in FATA. Those killed in the blast included, head of the peace committee, Zarwali Khan and committee members Noor Khan, Hameed Khan and Amir Nawaz were amongst those killed in the bombing. Abdul Manan, a levies officer was also killed in the incident.

The US drone attack killed three militants, including a key TTP commander, Abdullah Kashmiri, in an unspecified place close to Afghanistan border North Waziristan Agency of FATA.

More than 5,700 people, including paramilitary force officials, have lost their lives in FATA in terrorist attacks during the last six years, Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) figure revealed. The SAFRON revealed this figure during the recently-concluded 42nd session of the National Assembly in a written response to a query by lawmaker Abdul Qahar Khan Wadan of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party. According to surveys conducted by the Ministry to assess losses sustained as a result of the ongoing war on terrorism, 5,740 people have been killed in the last six years and an estimated 80,000 houses damaged of which the Government had validated 22,471 for compensation. 50,000 killed, USD 80 billion loss incurred in war on terror, NA told. The Ministry informed lawmakers that 234 levies, 174 khasadars and 5332 civilians were killed in terrorist attacks in FATA and 6,427 others injured. The SAFRON Ministry further added that PKR 3.04 billion had been spent under the PKR 3.56 billion Shuhada package which the Government had earmarked.

CoAS General Qamar Bajwa has said that mainstreaming of the FATA is essential for enduring peace and stability in the region. "Our focus now is to transform our operational achievements in FATA into enduring peace and stability for which early mainstreaming of FATA through reforms is essential," the CoAS was quoted as saying by the ISPR. "Pakistan Army fully supports all efforts towards that end," the CoAS added.

SFs recovered cache of arms and ammunition from Maidankai village of South Waziristan Agency and Zarkai village of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. According to the statement issued by ISPR, the recovered arms and ammunition include LMGs,12.7, RPG7s, SMGs, grenades, Rifles, pistols, explosive boxes, Anti-Personal mines daggers and various calibre ammunition including rockets of RPG-7, 14.5 mm rounds, ammunition boxes of 12.7, 12 bore rifle rounds, HMG and SMG ammunition.

SFs recovered cache of weapons and ammunition in Akka Khel, Guli Khel and Ghaibi Nokia area of the Khyber Agency. The SMGs, prepared IEDs and fuses were recovered during the raid.

At least 67 persons were killed and more than 200 injured in back-to-back explosions in the Turi Bazaar area of Parachinar, the headquarter of Kurram Agency, in FATA when the market was crowed for Iftar and Eid shopping. Initially, an explosion took place at the busy Turi Bazaar moments after an Al Quds Day (an international day of solidarity with the Palestinian people) rally had concluded at central Imambargah. When people rushed to the spot to remove the injured and bodies, the second blast, which was more powerful, took place resulting in most death and destruction. The al-Alami (International) faction of LeJ claimed responsibility for twin bomb blasts. It said in a statement it was targeting Shias and threatened more attacks over "Pakistanis fighting against Sunni militants in Syria's civil war".

A bomb resembling a toy killed at least six children and injured two others in Speenmark village of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. "Six children aged between six to 12 years, all boys, were killed by a toy bomb and two others wounded critically," a local government official said on condition of anonymity.

Two suicide bombers were killed by SF when they tried to storm the FC camp in Jarobi area of Khyber Agency in FATA. FC personnel engaged with the attackers as they tried to enter the camp in Jarobi area, shooting dead one of the suicide bombers at the gate. The second attacker blew himself up at the entrance of the camp when SFs opened retaliatory fire. At least two FC personnel also sustained injuries during the incident.

The DG of ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor announced the launch of Operation Khyber-4 under Radd-ul-Fasaad to "wipe out terrorists" in the Rajgal Valley area of Khyber Agency in FATA. "An operation to wipe out terrorists has been launched in Rajgal valley in Khyber Agency," Major General Ghafoor said. Khyber-4 seeks to target terrorist hideouts in what the DG ISPR called "the most critical area in the FATA". There is no timeline for the operation as yet, Ghafoor said in response to a question.

SFs claimed to have killed at least eight militants and injured three others in air strikes on their hideouts on the first day of Operation Khyber-4 in the mountainous region of Rajgal in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Official sources said that several hideouts of the LI and IS group were targeted during the daylong shelling. Residents in nearby areas said they saw military helicopters approaching Rajgal in the morning and also heard heavy artillery shelling. Air Force jets also participated in the strikes along with military helicopters at the militant hideouts in Pakdara, Naray Naw, Sattar Kalay and Khairaba areas of Rajgal.

At least 13 militants were killed and six others were injured while an Army soldier, identified as Sepoy Abdul Jabbar, was killed during operation Khyber-4 in Rajgal Valley area of Khyber Agency in FATA. The ISPR said the raid was conducted as part of Operation Khyber 4, launched under Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad (RuF), to specifically clear areas in FATA that are susceptible to threats from the IS.

The ISPR said a major achievement was achieved in Operation Khyber-4 when troops including SSG successfully cleared the highest mountain top Brekh Muhammad Kandao near Pak-Afghan border in Khyber Agency of FATA. Many terrorists were killed, with a few managing to escape to Afghanistan, the ISPR press release said. Terrorists' hideouts were cleared, and caches of IEDs, arms and ammunition were recovered. "The forces have established posts at over 12000-feet altitude - the terrain is riddled with thick forestation," the ISPR statement said.

A Khasadar force personnel was killed and another injured when an IED went off in Sheen Drang area of Khyber Agency in FATA. Security personnel cordoned off the area soon after the blast.

ISPR said that the Army has cleared two strongholds of terrorists in the Rajgal valley of Khyber Agency during the ongoing Operation Khyber-4. The Spinkai Top dominating Saprai Pass and Star Kille have been secured and are "effectively dominated by the Pakistan Army", read a statement issued by ISPR.

The ISPR said that FC conducted an intelligence based operation and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition in Duagai area of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA. As per details, FC foiled a sabotage attempt as troops conducted a successful operation based on intelligence, where troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition which were brought there to carry out a major terrorist activity.

Tribal elder along with two members of his family were gunned down by unidentified assailants in the Haleemzai area of Mohmand Agency in FATA. An official of the political administration confirmed the killing of tribal elder Sadiq Shah, his wife and his son, Yaseen Khan. He added that the assailants had barged into Sadiq's house and shot him, his wife and son to death in the Shani Khel area of Haleemzai. A resident of the area said that unidentified assailants had entered Sadiq's house with the motive to abduct Yaseen Khan. However, Sadiq and his wife resisted their attempts to abduct Yaseen. Upon resistance, the assailants killed Sadiq and his family.

Two schoolchildren were injured when one of the two mortar shells fired from across the Afghan border exploded near the hostel of the Army Public School inside an Army camp in Landi Kotal town of Khyber Agency in FATA. Officials said that the other shell landed in an empty compound and caused no damage.

At least five mortar shells, fired from the Afghan side, landed in a hilly terrain of Sheen Pokh area of Loe Shalman bordering Afghanistan. Officials said that the explosion of shells caused no damage as there was no population nearby.

The ISPR said that FC KP busted a terrorist network involved in planting IEDs and other sabotage activities in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. Terrorist network involved in planting and facilitating IEDs and carrying out other terrorist activities was apprehended after an IBO conducted by FC KP, ISPR statement said.

The DG of ISPR, Major General Asif Ghafoor said that the Operation Khyber-4 that was launched on July 15 has been successfully completed. Sharing of details of the operation, Major General Asif Ghafoor said the ground targets had been achieved in Rajgal and Shawal areas of Khyber Agency in FATA. 253 kilometers of land had been cleared from terrorists in the Operation Khyber-4, in which 52 militants were killed, one arrested, 31 sustained injuries while four blew themselves. Clearance operation was still continued in the Khyber Valley, he added, saying 91 checkposts had been setup in Rajgal area.

Two soldiers were killed and three others injured in a landmine blast in Barmal area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. An Army jeep was patrolling the area during a search operation when it struck a landmine planted on the roadside. The slain personnel were identified as Sepoy Attaur Rehman and Sepoy Imran Ali.

Three people including father and his son were killed in a landmine explosion in Shani Meenah area of Ambar tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA. Two others also sustained injuries.

Unidentified militant abducted at least 17 young tribesmen from a picnic spot in Landi Kotal tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. Khasadar officials while confirming the incident said that some local youth from Adalkhad and Gagra villages had gone to Yakha Cheena, Enzaro Naw picnic spot close to the Afghan border on September 3-morning but did not return to their homes till late in the evening. The officials said that relatives of the missing youth reported the matter to them after one of the abducted persons managed to escape from the abductors and reached home early on September 4. They quoted the escaped person as saying that a group of around 12 armed persons held them hostage while they were having midday meals. Later, they were taken to an unknown place.

Five soldiers were injured when their vehicle hit a landmine in Koda Khel area of Khwazai Bazai tehsil of the Mohmand Agency in FATA. The injured who were identified as Havaldar Ismail, Lance Naik Asif, Lance Naik Khan Wali, Lance Naik Idris and Sepoy Kashif. A search operation is underway. No arrests have been reported so far.

A US drone killed three suspected Afghan Taliban militants in an attack on a compound in Ghuz Ghari village of Kurram Agency in FATA. Officials said the strike took place in remote Ghuz Ghari village, close to the Afghan border where at least five fighters from the Afghan Taliban had gathered. "The US drone fired two missiles, at least three fighters from the Afghan Taliban have been killed and two wounded," a senior Government official in Kurram Agency said.

Seven persons, including six FC soldiers, received injuries in two grenade blasts at Torkham border crossing in Torkham Town of Khyber Agency. Officials said that Pakistani security personnel deployed at the border were targeted in the attack. "At approximately 1:35 pm, two grenades were fired across the border from Afghanistan. One grenade hit the Torkham gate while another landed in front of the forces office. Six FC soldiers and a ten-year old civilian were injured," officials said.

Local Tehsildar Fawad Ali and four Levies personnel were killed when a remote-controlled bomb went off at a roadside in Loye Mamond area of Bajaur Agency in FATA. Fawad Ali, along with Levies personnel, was patrolling in Garigal area when his vehicle was targeted with a remote-controlled explosive device, killing him and four Levies personnel on the spot. TTP claimed responsibility for the blast. TTP 'spokesman' Mohammad Khorasani said the militants planted an improvised explosive device "to target security personnel" in the Bajaur Agency area.

At least two Pakistan Customs officials received injuries when a roadside remote controlled IED went off in the Matha Khel area of Landi Kotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The administration and local sources said that a Torkham-bound customs coach, carrying Torkham Customs House crew, was on its way to its destination from Peshawar when it was targeted at around 9am with a bomb planted by militants on the main Pak-Afghan highway. Resultantly, two customs officials identified as Muhammad Yousaf and Abdul Kareem sustained injuries.

Three militants and one Army Lieutenant Arsalan Alam were killed during a cross border firing in Rajgal area in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency of FATA. The ISPR said the Security Forces retaliated and killed three militants and injured two others when Pakistani militants based across the Pak-Afghan border sneaked into Rajgal to carry out the attack on a newly built border post. Post Commander Lieutenant Arsalan Alam also killed during the action. It added that the militants took away the bodies of the slain men and also their injured associates and escaped to Afghanistan.

SFs conducted intelligence-based operations in Kamar Khel, Baz Garhi and Bara area of Khyber Agency and recovered arms and ammunition, ISPR press release said. Submachine guns, grenades, rockets, IED and mortar rounds were recovered from the sites.

A soldier was killed and another sustained injuries when militants opened fire on a forces check post in the Rajgal area, along the Pak-Afghan border, of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. "Two soldiers posted at the checkpoint were targeted with sniper fire from across the border," officials said. The militants then escaped from the area.

At least four FC personnel were martyred and three others injured in an IED blast near the Pak-Afghan border in the Kharlachi area of Kurram Agency in FATA. An ISPR press release said the troops targeted by the blast were part of a search party for handlers of the rescued foreigners, Caitlan Coleman and Joshua Boyle, who were recovered by the Army near Kohat. The slain personnel were identified as Captain Husnain, Sepoy Saeed Baz, Sepoy Qadir and Sepoy Jumma Gul. The injured were identified as Naik Anwar, Sepoy Zahir and Lance Naik Sher Afzal. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least 20 suspected militants were killed in US drone strike on a compound near the border with Afghanistan in Kurram Agency of the FATA. As per details, four missiles were fired on a compound during the strike, in which suspected militants of Haqqani network were killed.

Two SF personnel, identified as Sepoy Tasawar Ali and Sepoy Ghulam Rabani, were killed their vehicle hit an IED blast in Jalal check post of FR Bannu in FATA.

Two militants, who attacked checkposts from across the Pak-Afghan border, were killed in a shootout with the Aman Lashkar in Zakha Khel area of Khyber Agency in FATA. Security sources said that the militants from across the border attacked checkposts of Aman Lashkar. In retaliatory fire, two of the militants were killed while others managed to flee. The sources said that the terrorists used mortar shells and rocket launchers to attack the checkposts.

One FC personnel was killed while another was injured in an IED blast near the Gurguray checkpost in the Sarokai Tehsilof South Waziristan Agency.

At least three Levies personnel were injured after their vehicle hit an IED in the Rashakai area of Khar tehsil (revenue unit) Bajaur Agency. The vehicle was patrolling the Rashakai area for the security of a polio team when the IED planted at Janat Shah Dry Waterway [Khwar] hit the vehicle.

The SFs foiled a terror bid, recovered arms and ammunitions in Kurram agency which were later defused. The SFs conducted a joint operation in rainwater nullah in Lower Kurram Agency. During the operation, four bombs and six landmines hidden in riverbed near a school building were recovered.

SFs conducted IBOs in various parts of South Waziristan Agency and recovered arms, ammunition and explosives under Operation Radd-ul-Fassad.

At least two people were injured when a blast hit Zakhakhel Adda Rangra market in Landi Kotal. An IED remotely controlled and hidden in a plastic bag, went off in the car parking area of the market and partially damaged three vehicles that were parked nearby, while two civilians were injured.

ISPR in a statement said that SFs recovered communication equipment and extremist literature during an IBO conducted in Mandi Khel near Dosaali in North Waziristan Agency. During the operation, the security personnel recovered weapons and ammunition, including guns, mortar, rocket launchers, IEDs and explosives. This operation was conducted under the army's on-going Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad.

MNA Sajid Hussain Turi said that a grand Jirga in Kurram region has decided to burn houses of those who provide shelter to militants or anti-state elements. According to the MNA, some four local tribes after the Jira (public meeting) met the local administration and law enforcers and informed them about their decisions, tribesmen held a separate meeting with FC commandant and other sector commanders and informed them about the decisions adding that the tribes would extend full support to the Sfs to maintain peace and those offering shelter to militants or Afghans without valid documents, their houses will collectively be burned, and a fine of Rs 100,000 will be imposed. Local tribes would help government keep a check on the border areas with Afghanistan to help stop any infiltration into the Kurram Agency.

A child was killed and another two were injured in a landmine explosion in Tiarza tehsil of South Waziristan Agency. The SFs cordoned off the area after the explosion and started the investigation.

A 'commander' of the TTP, Abdul Khaliq Haqqani, along with his fighters, surrendered to the SFs in North Waziristan Agency.

November 6

SFs during the ongoing Operation Raad-ul-Fasaad arrested three militants and recovered arms and ammunition from a car in the Darra Adam Khel town of Frontier Region Kohat. The recoveries included Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), 30bore and 9 mm pistols, 12 bore repeaters and rifles of different calibres along with thousands of ammunition.

SFs recovered 12.7 mm gun and RPG 7 along with ammunition boxes in another Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) carried out in the Boya Ghundakai area of South Waziristan Agency.

November 8

JuA therefore faces a rift as Mukarram and his fighters are set to announce their own group. Mukarram was one of the close confidants of the JuA 'chief' Omar Khalid Khorasani. Mukarram, belongs to Pandeyali tehsil in Mohmand Agency, was the main character behind the JuA's activities with his position as head of the group's intelligence unit. He was member of the group's central 'shura' (or council). Some militant sources say that several 'commanders' are likely to join Mukaram. They include Jehad Yar Mehsud, 'commander' Muslim Yar Momand, 'commander' Rashid Mama, Saad alias Wuraf Khan, 'commander' Imran and Salman.

November 9

At least five militants were killed and four others wounded as SFs responded to an attack by terrorists on recently established Pakistan Army posts at the Pak-Afghan border in Rajgal area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency. An Army Soldier was also killed during the incident.

November 12

The Security Forces defused an IED planted by unidentified persons on Landi Kotal-Torkham Road in Khyber Agency. Line Officer Landi Kotal, Tikka Khan Afridi said that the FC Troops accompanied by the Khasadar and Levies Soldiers arrived in the area on a routine visit, upon noticing a concrete block, placed inside a makeshift security check post filled with explosives, the reinforcement along with BDS rushed to the spot, suspended the highway for traffic and defused the bomb.

Authorities have issued a terror alert for Parachinar in Kurram Agency, warning tribesmen to be extra vigilant to prevent a possible attack in the area and the Punjab Province. Officials said that Political Administration and Security Agencies issued a 'Red alert' after receiving reports about a suicide bomber identified as Talha, member of a banned militant group, JuA, who walked with a limp as he had lost a leg in an IED explosion. The militant has sneaked into Kurram Agency from Khost province of Afghanistan.

A faction of the Taliban has reportedly made a comeback to Wana in South Waziristan Agency, under the name of a "Peace Committee" and has placed a ban on cultural and social activities and put restrictions on movement of women outside their homes without male members of their family. A local cleric, identified as Ameer Ainullah, has been appointed "Head of the Committee".

An official statement issued by the Local Administration said, "A few 'criminal-minded' people who were not representing the tribes or will of the people in Wana held a meeting to ban certain social activities." "The Elders of the region called a Grand Jirga to deliberate on the threat and agreed not to allow such elements to harm the social fabric" the statement added.

Taliban 'commander' Khan Daraz of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur outfit surrendered to the SFs in North Waziristan Agency.

Militants from across the border (Afghanistan side) opened fire at a Pakistani Check Post in Mushthari, the bordering area of Landi Kotal in Khyber Agency, in which a FC trooper sustained bullet injuries.

BDS neutralised a remote-controlled IED affixed by unidentified militants to the vehicle of a local media person Khalil Jibran in Khyber Agency.

Five Anti-Taliban Personnel were killed and two were injured, in a remotely detonated bomb in Spinkai area near the Afghanistan border, in South Waziristan Agency. The group was part of a Volunteers' Militia helping the Military in operations against Islamist militants. A faction of Pakistani Taliban militants, known as the Sajna group of TTP, claimed responsibility for the attack. Deceased have been identified as Wali Jan, the head of a Peace Committee, Malik Mewa Khan, Ahmed Gul, Zaman Khan and Malik Ayar Dil Khan while Ahmed Jan and Khalid were injured in the attack.

Four suspected Haqqani militants were killed in US drone strike near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the Kurram Agency. Afghanistan's Paktia Provincial Governor's spokesperson Abdullah Asrat, however, said that the strike happened within the Afghanistan territory with seven militants killed in the drone strike.

An IED blast near a military vehicle in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan Agency resulted in the killing of six persons, including three civilians seeking recruitment in the Army; while eight others were injured. "The casualties came from a bomb planted on a motorcycle parked on a roadside in Khadi market of Mir Ali town," said Kamran Khan Afridi, a Senior Administration Official in the North Waziristan tribal region.

Ali Mohammad, a Peace Committee member, was killed by TTP militants in Daggar village of Chagmalai region in South Waziristan Agency. According to local media, TTP claimed the attack with the spokesman of the militant's outfit warning that they would continue to target members of the Peace Committee.

SFs recovered rockets, IEDs, and ammunition of various types in South Waziristan and Bajaur Agencies.

SFs recovered a bomb along the wall of Government Primary School in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency.

SFs carried out a search operation under the ongoing Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad and unearthed tunnels, four caves and a factory for production of IEDs in Nangrosa-Lagad area of Barra Bara in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency. Nangrosa had remained a stronghold of banned militant outfit LI from 2005 to 2012. A cache of arms and ammunition, including hand-grenades and IEDs was also recovered.

Three children were injured in a landmine explosion near Amin Check Post in Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency.

Six militants belonging to a sub-group of TTP Swat faction, allegedly linked to the ATI attack in Peshawar in KP on December 1, were arrested during raids in the areas bordering Charsadda District in KP and Mohmand Agency in FATA. Suicide vests and explosive material were recovered from the militants. However the main accused remains absconding despite raids being conducted by SFs in Bajaur Agency in FATA, where he was reported to have been present.

Two Pakistan Army personnel were killed when their vehicle was targeted by the militants from atop the mountains in North Waziristan Agency. The deceased were identified as Second Lieutenant Abdul Moeed and Sepoy Basharat.

At least two civilians were killed and another injured when a militant attacked Aman checkpost in South Waziristan Agency.

DGMO Major General Sahir Shamshad Mirza briefed the Senators on the progress of Operation Radd-ul-Fassad. He confirmed that under the Radd-ul-Fassad, at least 18,001 IBOs were conducted across Pakistan (periods not sepcifeid). Giving further details he said that 1,249 IBOs had been conducted in KP and the FATA, including 31 major operations; 13,011 operations had been conducted in Punjab, including seven major operations; 1,410 operations, including 29 major operations, were undertaken in Balochistan; 2015 operations, including seven major operations, were conducted in Sindh. No break up was provided for rest 242 IBOs. There were another 4,983 search-based combing operations (across Pakistan). At least 19,993 weapons were also recovered during these operations. Further, briefing on Karachi, he said that since the launch of the Rangers operation in Karachi in 2013, at least 8,780 suspects had been transferred to the Police; 12,105 weapons were seized and 1,948 militants were arrested; 154 abductees had been freed from captivity and 154 kidnappers were arrested; and 24 soldiers had been killed (period for the data not specified).

PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa and JUI-F 'chief' Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman met to discuss FATA reforms. Unnamed sources in the Government confirmed that Fazl gave conditional support as he wanted the PM to meet with the Supreme Council of FATA Grand Jirga to listen to their concerns on the matter.

Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Lt.) General (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch in response to a question by MNA Muhammad Jamal ud Din confirmed that 14 people had been killed and 20 others sustained injuries in 22 mine explosions since the start of repatriation of temporary dislocated persons in SWA. The period for the data has not been specified.

Afghanistan Consul General Mohammad Moeen Marastial during a press briefing stated that tribal people's consent is a must for KP and FATA merger. "Our Government has no reservations over the merger, but the opinion of the people of the area is paramount before taking such a major decision," he said.

The Opposition for the eighth consecutive day staged a walkout from the National Assembly proceedings over non-inclusion of FATA reforms bill in the agenda. PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi held a meeting with the FATA Supreme Council of Grand Jirga to develop consensus on the issue.

Three FC Troops and five militants were killed, when militants fired on them from across the Pak-Afghan border at Shunkrai area of Mohmand Agency. The Troops were targeted when they were constructing new border post at Shunkrai area. According to ISPR five militants were injured in retaliatory fire as well. The deceased Soldiers have been identified as Havaldar Muneer Khan, Sepoy Haq Nawaz Khan and Lance Naik Irshad Hussain.

Militants lobbed a hand grenade on a SFs post at Qayyum Abad Qandhro in Mohmand Agency. No casualties or injuries were reported.

A US drone strike killed two Haqqani network militants including a 'commander' travelling in a vehicle in the Mata Sangar area near Afghanistan-Pakistan's border in Kurram Agency. The Haqqani network 'commander' was identified as Jamil-ud-Din. Four other militants was present in the area when drone strike hit them but they left the premise before the drone strike was conducted.

The FATA Youth Jirga said in press briefing in Islamabad that it will start a countrywide petition campaigning to convince masses within and out of Government on FATA reforms espousing merger with KP. The Federal Cabinet approved early merger of FATA into KP.

An official statement issued after the Cabinet meeting chaired by PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that approval was granted "to the formation of National Implementation Committee (NIC) on the FATA Reforms." The NIC had agreed that the FATA people will be able to elect 23 members to the KP assembly, while the NA seats would be finalised after consultations.