Analysis on Operation Zarb-e-azb. How Pakistan military overcome this problem with efficiency and effectiveness.

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OPERATION ZARB-E-AZB
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Operation Zarb-e-Azb
On August 16, 2014 Gen. Raheel Said:
Operation Zarb-e-Azb is a joint military offensive conducted by the Pakistan Armed
Forces against various militant groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP),
the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, Lashkar-e-
Jhangvi, al-Qaeda, Jundallah and the Haqqani network.
Pakistan army has named the operation (operation Zarb-e-Azb) in Northern Waziristan against
the terrorist on the name of one of the sword of MUHAMMAD (SAW). This means the wound
of Azab while Azab the sword means a very sharp sword. Al Azb was presented to prophet by
one of his Sahabi (Follower) Saad Bin Ibadah Al Ansari before the war of Uhad. Prophet gave
this sword to Abu Dajanah during the war of Uhad. This sword is now kept in the famous in
Cairo’s Jamia Masjid Al Hussain bin Ali.
The operation was launched on 15 June 2014 in North Waziristan along the Pakistan-Afghanistan
border as a renewed effort against militancy in the wake of the 8 June attack on Jinnah
International Airport in Karachi, for which the TTP and the IMU claimed responsibility. Part of
the war in North-West Pakistan, up to 30,000 Pakistani soldiers were involved in Zarb-e-Azb,
described as a "comprehensive operation" to flush out all foreign and local militants hiding in
North Waziristan. The operation has received widespread support from the Pakistani political,
defiance and civilian sectors. As a consequence, the overall security situation improved and
terrorist attacks in Pakistan dropped to a six-year low since 2008.

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Strategy:
For the first time, the Pakistani military implemented a military strategy called "Seek, Destroy,
Clear, Hold." The Pakistani military will seek the target. Once found, it will be destroyed. When
destroyed, the infrastructure, bodies and weapons will be cleared and the area will be held both
during this time and after its completion to ensure post-operation security and infrastructure
rebuilding and/or area rehabilitation. The Seek and Destroy component is from the Vietnam
War whereas the Clear and hold component is from the Iraq War. The Pakistani military
combined the two doctrines as a single doctrine for the operation to be successful.
The Pakistani military had prepared for the operation long before, and the government prepared
for a three-front operation: isolating targeted militant groups, obtaining support from the political
parties and saving civilians from the backlash of the operation.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the nation stood by its military: "The decision was
taken after the strategy of dialogue failed. The operation will continue until it reaches its
logical conclusion. Any group that challenges Pakistan's constitution, attacks civilians,
soldiers, and government installations and uses Pakistani territory to plan terrorist attacks
will be targeted". Asif added that internally displaced persons would be assisted by the federal
and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments: "We will try to ensure that the displaced do not have to
stay away from their homes for too long."
The combat troops encircled militant bases in the towns of Mirali and Miranshah. Pakistani
officials said that the Afghan's National Security Forces (ANSF) was requested to seal the border
on their side so that militants do not escape. The operation involved the Air
Force, Navy artillery, tanks and ground troops. According to a military statement, "On the
directions of the government, armed forces of Pakistan have launched a comprehensive operation
against foreign and local terrorists who are hiding in sanctuaries in North Waziristan." An
official with the military said that between 14,000 and 20,000 soldiers were normally stationed in
North Waziristan before the operation, and he expected the offensive to require no more than a
total of 30,000 troops.

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The Prime Minister said in a speech at the National Assembly on 16 June.
“On the one hand we were pursuing dialogue,
And on the other we were being targeted. We
We’re pursuing talks, but from Islamabad courts
To Karachi airport we were being targeted. Our
Places of worship were targeted, our schools
Were targeted. Despite the sacrifices of our
Soldiers, we gave peace talks first priority but
Our efforts were rendered in vain. The now ongoing
Operation would conclude only with
The total defeat of the insurgents. We will
Change the fate of this country and under no
Circumstances will the country be allowed to
Serve as a safe haven for terrorists. Whatever
The cost, this nation will never be handed over
To terrorists”
The response he had earlier got from the Taliban to his peace initiative was clearly not
acceptable. The Prime Minister declared that the operation will continue “until the last terrorist
has been eliminated”
Director General (DG) of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt General Asim Saleem Bajwa
while citing the success gained in the ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ said that 4,304 sq km area has been cleared
in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and North Waziristan. He claimed that as
many as 3,500 terrorists were killed in last two years and 992 hideouts of terrorists have been
destroyed in the Operation.
National Action Plan:
Terrorism is a global problem, and Pakistan as a country and as a nation in particular has been
suffering from it for the past few years. No country had suffered so much from it as Pakistan.
“We have lost more than 60,000 innocent lives.
Our country has been faced with the threat of militancy and extremism. Our forces and police
and civilians have been attacked and martyred. Our bases, police stations, pipelines, railways,
hotels, schools, have been targeted. Even our mosques, churches and religious shrines have not
been spared. Our country’s image has been negatively projected. Our economy has had to bear
extra burdens. Even the good name of our great religion -- a religion of peace and harmony and
love has been exploited. The international war against terrorism has caused more agony, deaths
and destruction to the people of Pakistan than any other country in the world.

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Implant of national action plan after the APS (Army Public School, Peshawar) attack, where
innocent children have been killed by the terrorist. This attack break lots of heart. This attack is
the result of “operation Zarb-e-Azb”. But the Pakistan nation stood tall and they take a decision
not to let them go. With the help of this nation military and political team made a plan named
“NATIONAL ACTION PLAN”.
20 pointsNational Action Plan:
A 20 points declaration, agreed to in the All Parties Conference was announced by the Prime
Minister. These points were unanimously agreed in a marathon of leaders of all the Political
parties after a session of 11 hours.
Implementation of death sentence of those convicted in cases of terrorism.
Special trial courts under the supervision of Army. The duration of these
courts would be two years.
Militant outfits and armed gangs will not be allowed to operate in the country.
NACTA, the anti-terrorism institution will be strengthened.
Strict action against the literature, newspapers and magazines promoting
hatred, decapitation, extremism, sectarianism and intolerance.
All funding sources of terrorists and terrorist outfits will be frozen.
The defunct outfits will not be allowed to operate under any other name.
Establishing and deploying a dedicated counter-terrorism force.
End to religious extremism and protection of minorities will be ensured.
Registration and regulation of religious seminaries.
Ban on glorification of terrorists and terrorist organizations through print and electronic
media.
Administrative and development reforms in FATA with immediate focus on repatriation
of IDPs.
Communication network of terrorists will be dismantled completely.

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Concrete measures against promotion of terrorism through internet and social media.
No room will be left for the extremism in any part of the country.
Ongoing operation in Karachi will be taken to its logical end.
Balochistan government to be fully empowered for political reconciliation with complete
ownership by all stakeholders.
Action against elements spreading sectarianism.
Formulation of a comprehensive policy to deal with the issue of Afghan
refugees, beginning with registration of all refugees.
Reforms in criminal courts system to strengthen the anti-terrorism institutions including
provincial CIDs.
IDPs: A Massive Challenge for Pakistan:
Before the operation started, Pakistan army vacated the area from locals in order to save the
civilians from damage. 929,859 persons (from 80,302 families) were registered by the
authorities. They were provided with monetary support and food packages etc. Fata Disaster
Management Authority (FDMA) registered the IDPs from NWA in different areas of KPK. The
civilians were moved to Bannu, Laki Marwat, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan and Khoat in KP
province. Gen Sharif assured that army would play its role in rebuilding and restoring normalcy
in North Waziristan.
On 10 July, the statement came from the Foreign Office that the repatriation and rehabilitation of
IDPs are the internal matters of Pakistan and she will not seek external support. Many donation
points were also set by the Pakistan army. Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam
said. “We have very clear instructions from the Prime Minister Pakistan that neither made nor
intends to make a request for international assistance. It has been made very clear that all
expenditure related to temporarily displaced Pakistanis will be met from our own resources.
However, it was reportedly said that US allotted 31 million dollars for IDPs rehabilitation and
$9.3 million for health, hygiene, water and sanitation for IDPs and livestock. It was also reported
that the UAE administration assigned $20.5 million for IDPs as humanitarian aid. In February
2014, the Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar told a visiting US Senator Jack Reed that the
Expenditure of the operation to date had crossed 40 billion Rs. and could overlap 130 billion Rs.

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As the COAS decided on August 14, 2014 to conclude the operation to its logical end in few
more weeks “We will try to complete the military Operation Zarb-e-Azb very soon.” there is a
gigantic task confronting the Federal Government and FATA administration to resettle the more
Than a million IDPs. Moreover, the military forces will not be able seize the area for a long that
there is no re-emergence of militants in this area. The coming weeks therefore would be
challenging for the Government, which needs lot of planning, financial assistance and above all a
sincerity and determination.
Some of the big problem in this regard is given below:
To take care of the large number of Internally Displaced Persons.
To organize IDPs safe return and rehabilitation after the operation establishes
the writ of the State.
And to develop a civil set-up to effectively govern the area after the military
has done its part.
Success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb:
As the Defense Ministry of Pakistan declared, Operation Zarb-e-Azb is going on ground levels
with the help of Pakistan air force and air strikes in North Waziristan. With the help of air force
Pakistan military able to destroyed the hideouts and command and control system. Four drone
attacks, during one year have also been used in critical areas, Dattakhel and Shawal, which was
difficult to overtake by the Pakistan army. But they made a comprehensive plan for this
operation. The targeted operation Zarb-e-Azb has four objectives:
Degrading the terrorist network in number; their integrity, their organizational command,
infrastructure, restoration, social network physically and intellectually, the umbrella of
TTP, their master mind, logistic, intelligence, and financial support system are destroyed.
Their assets to protect them from drones and their apparatus are degraded. Factories,
caves, dunes explosives, training sites, hideouts are destroyed and their arms are detained
by the army.
Territory, which was under their controlled is recaptured or regain by the Pakistan Army.
US, Pak cooperation in this operation is good coordinated approach. Pakistan with the
help of US drone strikes in hardest targets is heading towards its final stage of the present
military offensive.

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The initiation of the Operation Zarb-i-Azb, a military operation in NWA in June; whole scenario
has changed. Militant attacks have started to decline even before the operation was launched, in
particular when the government was trying a negotiated arrangement with the TTP. However, the
operation itself has had a striking impact in bringing down assaults and devastating militant
infrastructure in NWA. Nonetheless, there has been one development this year that has changed
the scenario a great deal. However, concrete figures are not yet on hand, some counter-terrorism
experts approximated that attacks have come down by around 30pc in year 2014 as compared to
the year 2013.
With the support of whole nation, the armed forces of Pakistan are immensely sacrificing for the
country; fighting vigilantly knowing the geographical difficulties and complexities of NWA.
Recapturing the territory from the terrorists. COAS said, “It's a matter of great privilege and
honor to be commanding such an accomplished and battle hardened Army, We will not stop
unless we achieve our end objective of a terror free Pakistan.”
The armed forces immune the terrorists from Miranshah, Mirali and Tirah valley. The militant
attacks are down by and large. COAS said to focus to locating the financing of terror groups,
garroting all the sources, capturing the sponsors and accomplices. Armed forces felt the need that
the safe haven of militants in Afghanistan must be cleared from TTP. Political stability is needed
when the country is going through a dire situation. Outstanding level of success and consistency
during the operation are made by the armed forces. The Chinese President, during his visit to
Pakistan demonstrated about Operation Zab-e-Azb as a game changer for peace and stability in
the region.
Three factors that contributed in the successful continued operation are:
Careful planning along the motivation of troops fighting.
National unity: full mandate and support were given to the armed forces to
destroy the terrorist networks and restore peace in NWA.
Full support of civilian leadership and political parties after the negotiations
failed.

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ON 28 May, 2016 Sharif said:
According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, some 837 safe havens of
terrorists have been destroyed and 253 tons of explosives are in hold in the operation. The
Director General of ISPR, Major General Asim Bajwa on Twitter also mentioned 347 Pakistan’s
Security Forces personnel accepted martyrdom, which also yielded 18,087 weapons, including
heavy machine guns, light machine guns, sniper rifles, rocket launchers and AK-47s have also
been recovered from the hideouts of terrorists. Thousands of militants with their accomplices are
detained in metropolitan areas in 9,000 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) and 218 terrorists
are killed (The Express Tribune, June 14, 2015). He further validated that in FATA, NWA and
Khyber agencies, considerable accomplishment have been made. “Strongholds of terrorists, their
Communication infrastructure and sanctuaries had largely been cleared”.
Are We Ready To Face the Blow Back:
Blow back is on the cards. Army cannot patrol and protect the cities for a long time. Their long
time indulgence in protection of cities is not advisable. Ironically the Police and civil intelligence
agencies are not prepared to handle the blow back. Their mood and preparation are problematic.
Interrogations of TTP militants had revealed that
there are numerous sleeper cells, sympathizers and facilitators of TTP lurking in the cities. They
may not be in a position to carry out spectacular attacks but they can definitely create serious
problems and facilitate terrorists planning to mount a spectacular attack. High profile
kidnappings like the sons of former Prime Minister and
the Governor Punjab can put the government on the back foot. The militants recently kidnapped
one official of a sensitive agency who happens to be the relative of the Chief Justice of Pakistan
on day one of the operation reportedly. TTP may like to follow the
strategies of Boko Haram and try to kidnap student’s especially female students to bargain with
the government. They might strike at Multi-National Companies and five star hotels, which will
not only undermine the economic activity in the country but will also make headlines in
international media. There are thousands of vulnerable areas, which must be fully protected
immediately before the retaliation starts.

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Last but not the least strangely enough there is still no Counterterrorism (CT) Strategy available
to the civil agencies to move in a coordinated manner. How can we think of brining about
coordination in all agencies without a formally articulated and officially announced CT strategy
that assigns responsibilities to the agencies and departments to play their respective roles
effectively to protect the cities from the terrorists? It is high time to formulate one and implement
it before the blowback takes us by storm
Conclusion:
COAS General Raheel Shareef and all political forces of the country took a unanimous verdict to
fight off the menace of terrorism on 15 June 2014. Operation Zarb-e-Azb, and The APS reprisal
broke the backbone of terrorists while their sleeper cells are yet to be targeted. As figures largely
come from ISPR of Pakistan Army, after one year, weighing up the accomplishments of
operation Zarb-e-Azb, comparatively there is peace and tranquility in cities which were formerly
under a severe militant menace, predominantly FATA. Immediately after the December 16
incident, in a special five days operation the security forces killed as many as 178 terrorists in air
strikes. In spite of the fact that the Operation in North Waziristan Agency and Khyber Agency is
failed to obliterate the organizational setup and leadership of the terrorists, the territory has been
regained from the terrorists. Civilian loss is not even in the operation. In spite of huge losses to
the terrorist network that TTP has suffered, it is likely to rise again from the bordering
Afghanistan.
As in the previous military operation the militants escaped in to NWA, in this operation they
Slipped in to Afghanistan and there is an imminent possibility that they will come and attack
Pakistan’s western border and go back. Some the TTP associates have mingled in the nexus with
the IDPs Bannu. One more apprehension looms is the mixing up of Taliban outfits with the IS.
While the TTP network had been damaged, the security threats persist largely due of the
surfacing of the ISIS factor, Al Qaeda’s presence in the Indian Sub-continent and the sleeper
cells in urban areas. The law-enforcement agencies successfully consolidate their gains against
terrorism during the present military offensive and keep the pressure on the militant groups.