Military operations against militants in Pakistan, an overview

 Sunday 1 December 2024

Islamabad (News International / Pakistan News - 1st December, 2024 ) The Pakistani government has a long history of operations against militants. The decision to launch the latest operation comes at a time when Pakistan is in the throes of a political crisis and militant activities are on the rise. Security challenges are increasing, especially in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province in terms of area.

The recent operation in Balochistan was decided after serious incidents such as the killing of miners in Duki, the horrific bomb blast in Mastung and the terrorist attack at Quetta railway station. There are reports of the alleged involvement of the Balochistan Liberation Army, Baloch Republican Army, Baloch Liberation Front and other groups in these operations.

The Pakistani army has carried out more than a dozen major and minor military operations against militants since 2007.

Operation Radd al-Fasaad

In February 2017, the Pakistani military launched Operation Radd al-Fasaad, a comprehensive national campaign to destroy the infrastructure of militants across the country. The operation aimed to curb sectarian violence and the rise of militancy in major cities. Radd al-Fasaad was carried out in both rural and urban areas, employing a comprehensive strategy.

It focused on dismantling clandestine networks, disrupting militant financing, and countering ideological extremism.

Operation Zarb-e-Azb

In June 2014, the Pakistani military launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan, targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Haqqani Network, and other foreign militant groups.

Eight hundred and thirty-seven houses were destroyed during the operation. The operation lasted from 2015 to 2017, and saw the elimination of top militant leaders and a significant reduction in militant activity across Pakistan.

Operation Koh-e-Safid

In 2011, the Pakistani military launched Operation Koh-e-Safid in Kurram Agency, with the aim of securing key routes and eliminating militant sanctuaries.

The operation focused on the Parachinar Road, which has long been a hotbed of sectarian and militant violence.

Operation Rah-e-Nijat

Operation Rah-e-Nijat was launched in 2009, with the aim of targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) stronghold in South Waziristan. The operation dislodged key militants and damaged the TTP's command structure, weakening the group's presence.

Between 2009 and 2014, Pakistan intensified military operations in Waziristan and other districts.

Operation Rah-e-Rast

In May 2009, the Pakistani military launched Operation Rah-e-Rast, also known as Operation Black Thunderstorm. Its aim was to liberate the Swat Valley from Taliban fighters. About two and a half million people had taken refuge in Swat and surrounding cities, such as Peshawar, Mardan and Charsadda, where they were staying in camps, with relatives or in rented houses.

The operation involved the elimination of about 1,635 militants, the arrest of more than 250, and the dismantling of several militant camps and sanctuaries. In just sixty days, Operation Rah-e-Rast destroyed the militant network in Malakand Division.

Operation Rah-e-Haq

The first phase of Operation Rah-e-Haq began in Swat in November 2007, with the aim of pushing back Taliban fighters who had seized government buildings and police stations.

The initial stages of the operation saw intense artillery bombardment, forcing Taliban forces to retreat into the mountains.

Kalusha II

In 2004, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Kalusha II to stop militants from coming across the border from South Waziristan. The operation temporarily halted militant activity, but it failed to completely eradicate terrorism.

Operation Al-Mizan

The Pakistani Army launched Operation Al-Mizan in South Waziristan from 2002 to 2006. The operation aimed to target Al-Qaeda and Taliban elements who were sheltering in the area. Although the operation was successful in weakening these terrorist groups, it could not completely eliminate the threat of insurgency and instability continued in the area.

Terrorism and Casualties

According to data from the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies, Islamabad, there were 262 terrorist attacks in the country in 2018, killing 595 people. In 2019, the number of attacks decreased to 229, while the number of deaths was 3257. In 2020, the number of attacks decreased further to 144, killing 220 people.

However, in 2021, attacks increased again, reaching 270 and killing 335 people. In 2022, 262 attacks were recorded, in which 419 people lost their lives. In 2023, there was a significant increase in terrorist attacks, with 300 attacks killing 693 people.

Are military operations a permanent solution to the problems?

Defense analysts and human rights activists say that military operations in Balochistan are not a permanent solution to the problem.

Until the root causes of the problem are addressed, it is difficult to eliminate terrorism from the country. According to them, protection from external factors is possible only when the deprivations and difficulties of the people are addressed. Otherwise, the ongoing efforts against terrorism and extremism will not be able to achieve the desired results.

Afshan Tahseen, former chairperson of the National Commission for Child Rights and CEO of Human Capital Pakistan, told DW that operations in any area should not be adopted as the first strategy, but rather this decision should be made only after a careful assessment of the situation.

"We need to adopt an effective strategy in collaboration with local communities, understanding internal or external factors. To solve the problem of Balochistan, we also need to focus on poverty alleviation, promotion of education and the problems of the local people."

Commenting on a possible military operation in Balochistan, security analyst Muhammad Amir Rana told DW that it is not appropriate to consider military action as the only solution to the problem.

According to him, measures such as political dialogue, social and economic development are also necessary in this regard. "A comprehensive strategy will have to be adopted to end the insurgency, in which all parties are included so that a lasting and sustainable solution to the problem can be achieved."

Amir Rana added that the Pakistan Army conducted several military operations in both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, all of which were militarily successful.

However, their political implications are also important. For example, the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs) after the operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa led to social, economic and political unrest.

Similarly, military operations in Balochistan have been successful in the field but have been politically ineffective. The main reason for this was the lack of a backup plan for communicating with the affected communities and political leadership. "I think that instead of a full-scale military operation in Balochistan, small-scale operations should be used to help," he says.