Operation Zarb-e-Azb explained

Operation Zarb-e-Azb (Pashto/Urdu: {{nq|آپریشن ضربِ عضب ALA-LC: ;) was 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 Lashkar-e-Islam. 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.[1] [2] As of 14 July 2014, the operation internally displaced about 929,859 people belonging to 80,302 families from North Waziristan.

Conflict:Operation Zarb-e-Azb
Partof:the Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
and the Global War on Terrorism
Date:15 June 2014 – 22 February 2017
Place:Pakistan
Status:Pakistani victory[3] [4] [5] [6]
Combatant1:
Combatant2: Insurgent groups

Formerly:

[19]

Commander1:Pakistan
Nawaz Sharif

Zubair Mahmood Hayat

Raheel Shareef

Commanders of Operation Zarb-e-Azb
Lieutenant-General Hidayat-ur-Rehman[22]
Major-General Zafar Khan[23]
Commander2:Insurgent groups
Maulana Fazlullah
Sheikh Khalid Haqqani
Sheharyar Mehsud
Adnan Rashid
Usman Ghazi[24]
Adnan el-Shukrijumah
ISIL
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
(Leader of ISIL)
Abu Alaa Afri
(Deputy Leader of ISIL)[25]
Hafiz Saeed Khan[26] (ISIL Emir of Afghanistan and Pakistan)
Abdul Rahim Muslim Dost (2014–2015)[27] [28]
Usman Ghazi[29]
Strength1:Pakistan
20,000[30] –30,000[31]
Strength2:Insurgent groups
Several thousand
ISIL
500-1000
Casualties1:Pakistan
490 killed[32] [33] [34] [35] [36]
1,914 injured
Casualties2:Insurgent groups
3,500 killed
ISIL
46+ killed[37]
Notes:929,859 internally displaced from North Waziristan (as of 14 July 2014)[38]
2 civilians killed, 1 injured[39] [40]
140 civilians (mostly children) killed in TTP retaliation

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.[41] The operation has received widespread support from the Pakistani political, defence and civilian sectors. As a consequence, the overall security situation improved and terrorist attacks in Pakistan dropped to a six-year low since 2008.[42] Zarb-e-Azb was followed by Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad which began in February 2017, following a resurgence in terrorist incidents.

Etymologies

Zarb-e-Azb (Urdu: {{nq|ضربِ عضب ALA-LC: in Urdu pronounced as /zərb-e əzb/) means "sharp and cutting strike".[43] Azb also refers to the sword owned by the Islamic prophet Muhammad, which he used in the battles of Badr and Uhud.[44]

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.

Background

Peace negotiations

Peace negotiations with the Taliban were announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after his election,[45] although previous attempts to engage TTP in dialogue had failed. The first session of talks, between committees appointed by the Pakistani Government and the Taliban, was held on 26 March 2014 at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad.[46] The Taliban did not name representatives from their ranks, instead nominating pro-Taliban religious figures to present their views. The terrorists called for the implementation of Sharia in Pakistan; the Government of Pakistan demanded the cessation of hostilities, insisting that talks be held within the framework of the Pakistani constitution. A month-long ceasefire was reached on 1 March 2014.[47]

Besides the meetings at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, negotiations also involved helicopter travel by government representatives to the areas under militant control near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The government had indicated that stronger military action would be implemented if the talks failed.

Failure

Negotiations collapsed after the execution of 23 Pakistani Frontier Corps soldiers by the Taliban on 17 February 2014.[48] [49] The soldiers had been held by the insurgents since 2010, and on 17 April 2014 the TTP formally ended the ceasefire.[50] Taliban infighting since March 2014 killed more than 90 militants. The strife, triggered by differences between the Mehsud group (led by Sheheryar Mehsud) and another TTP faction (led by Khan Said Sajna), impeded the negotiations.[51] The negotiations were irreversibly damaged by a terrorist attack on Karachi Airport for which the Taliban claimed responsibility and which killed 28 people (including security personnel).[52] A Pakistani military official was quoted to have said, "The army is ready for an operation."[53]

Jinnah Airport attack

See main article: 2014 Jinnah International Airport attack. The operation began one week after a terrorist attack on Pakistan's busiest airport. On 8 June 2014, 10 militants from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and TTP attacked Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, killing 28 people including security personnel and wounding at least 18.[54]

In retaliation, the Pakistani military launched a series of air-strikes targeting terrorist hideouts in the areas bordering Afghanistan. At least 25 militants were killed on 10 June. The figure also included foreign militants killed.[55] Two drone attacks on 12 June killed Uzbek, Afghan and local militants.[56] [57] On 15 June the Pakistani military intensified air-strikes and bombed eight foreign militant hideouts, killing as many as 140 militants (most Uzbek, including persons linked to the airport attack and airport attack commander and mastermind Abu Abdur Rehman Almani) in North Waziristan.[58] [59]

Preparations

The Pakistani military had prepared for the operation long before, and the government prepared for a three-front operation:[60] isolating targeted militant groups, obtaining support from the political parties and saving civilians from the backlash of the operation.[60]

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."[61]

The combat troops encircled militant bases in the towns of Mirali and Miranshah. Pakistani officials said that the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) were requested to seal the border on their side so that militants do not escape.[62] 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.

Timeline

2014

December

2015

December

2016

April

On 3 April, the Pakistani government declared victory and the end of the operation after clearing 640 square kilometers in Shawal, killing some 250 terrorists.[63]

May

Pakistan clears last militant stronghold North Waziristan Agency

November

Pakistan Army major was killed and six soldiers injured in a roadside IED explosion in South Waziristan Agency

December

2017

February

See also: Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad.

American drone strikes

See main article: List of drone attacks in Pakistan. Drone strikes, which were halted for six months at the request of the Pakistani government, resumed for the operation. The following drone strikes took place during the operation:[64]

In 2014

In 2015

In 2017

Yearly Progress

On 13 June 2015, the Pakistani military reported progress in the operation in the course of a year. DG ISPR Asim Saleem Bajwa reported that 2,763 militants had been killed so far, including 218 terrorist commanders in 9,000 intelligence based operations (IBOs). "Some 837 hideouts of terrorists have been destroyed and 253 tonnes of explosives recovered so far during the operation", he said. The Army also recovered 18,087 weapons, including heavy machine guns, light machine guns, sniper rifles, rocket launchers and AK-47s . Bajwa said that thousands of terrorists were also arrested, their strongholds cleared and their communication infrastructure destroyed. "347 officers and soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces have embraced martyrdom", he added.[88] [89] The year 2015 was declared to be "a year of victory" and the operation itself a "manifestation of the resolve to root out terrorism in the country" by the Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.[90]

Final phase

One and a half years after the start of Zarb-e-Azb, phenomenal successes were achieved, with the last pockets close to the Pakistan-Afghan border being cleared. Terrorist backbone broken and structure dismantled. Nexus with sleeper cells largely disrupted. Intelligence based Operations (IBOs) busted remaining sleeper cells. 3,400 terrorists were killed, with 837 hideouts from where they were carrying out terrorist activities destroyed. During the last 18 months over 13,200 IBOs carried out across the country in which 183 terrorists were killed, 2,193 arrested. IBOs continue. 488 officers and men of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps KPK, Baluchistan, Rangers Sindh were killed and 1,914 injured in Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Total 11 military courts. 142 cases referred to military courts. 55 cases decided, 87 cases in process. 31 terrorists convicted.[91] [92] In July, the Pakistan Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif visited the military's forward-most positions near the Afghan border in North Waziristan[93] He was briefed about the progress and future plans for Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Sharif also visited South Waziristan and Wana agencies. It was reported that the Pakistani military had just completed the preliminary preparations for final phase. In the area around Shawal, peaks were cleared.[93]

Management of displaced civilians

As a result of the operation, 929,859 displaced civilians (from 80,302 families) were registered by Pakistani authorities as of 14 July.[38] Financial support, relief goods and food packages were being distributed[94] [95] and 59 donation points were established across Pakistan by the army.

On 10 July, the Foreign Office of Pakistan said that the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons was an internal matter and reiterated that Pakistan had not requested international assistance. "We have very clear instructions from the prime minister [to not seek external assistance], Pakistan has 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", Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said.[96] However, it was reported that the United States allocated $31 million for IDPs[94] and an additional $9.3 million for health, hygiene, water and sanitation for IDPs and livestock.[97] It was also reported that the United Arab Emirates government allocated $20.5 million in IDP humanitarian aid.[94] In February 2014, the Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar told a visiting US Senator Jack Reed that the cost of the operation so far had reached and could go as high as .[98]

Return of the IDPs

On 8 December 2014, the military approved the phased repatriation of the IDPs. The Pakistani army chief said the early return of the IDPs was his top priority. According to senior military officials, civilian authorities were directed to plan the return of the IDPs to their homes in areas which have been cleared of terrorists.[99] On 31 March 2015, the repatriation started. On the first day, 219 IDPs belonging to 62 families left Bannu for Spinwam and Shahmeri in North Waziristan. In the first phase until 24 April, about 1,200 families were to return to their homes in Sinwam, Shamiri, Mirali and Bubali areas of NWA. Each family was given as cash assistance and (Dollar rate was 101 PKR in march 2015, adjusted in inflation it was $247 and $99 precisely) as transportation expenses at Mirzail. Food ration for six months and non-food items would also be given to each household. For effective disease control, children under five years of age were administered anti-polio vaccines and under 10 years of age were administered anti-measles vaccines.[100] As of 4 May 2015, only 230 displaced families had returned since the launch of the repatriation programme. "The civil administration can send entire displaced population back to their homes within a month if the area is de-notified as conflict zone," said an official dealing with IDPs repatriation. According to the official sources, the cut-off date for the return of IDPs was December 2016.[101]

Reaction

Domestic

Social media

The decision by the Pakistani military to launch a comprehensive operation was widely supported, with journalists, opinion-makers, politicians and other social-media users commending the operation.[102]

Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf

- PTI chairman Imran Khan endorsed the military operation in North Waziristan as it became clear that the Taliban were not seriously negotiating.[103] A week before, reiterating his party's stance on peace talks with militants, Imran 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 desired peace talks with the government.[104] The PTI position changed as it became clear that negotiations were fruitless.[104]

Jamat-e-Islami

- Jamat-e-Islami (JI), one of Pakistan's leading religious parties, continued to oppose any operation in North Waziristan. JI leader Siraj-ul-Haq urged the government to keep the option of negotiations with the Taliban.[105] He warned that a military operation in North Waziristan would trigger a massive human tragedy, saying that it was the duty of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to consider the views of the nation and its leadership (inside and outside Parliament) before making a crucial decision affecting national security.[106]

Muttahida Qaumi Movement

- According to Muttahida Qaumi Movement senator Babar Khan Ghauri, "This is a commendable decision by the government. We have been repeatedly telling the current government that instead of engaging the terrorists in dialogue, government should act against these elements. Karachi has a number of terrorists and it might suffer from a blow back; this should be tackled so Karachi does not have to suffer on account of this." MQM head Altaf Hussain said, "I welcome this operation and I am glad that government is supporting the armed forces, those who have not backed the operation must realize that it is a matter of national security. I appeal to them to come on same page by setting aside their political compulsions." he said.[107] [108]

Awami National Party

- Awami National Party (ANP) member Zahid Khan said, "We also held a dialogue previously (during our government) but that did not produce effective results. We wanted peace and we were okay if that came through dialogue but unfortunately that could not happen. This time, knowing from our experience, we had cautioned the government that [the] dialogue approach would not work. Government should have taken the parliament into confidence before launching the operation but it didn't."

Local tribesmen

North Waziristan tribal elders assured their support for Operation Zarb-e-Azb, according to a statement released by ISPR director-general Major General Asim Bajwa. "Many tribal elders from around Miranshah, Mir Ali, Datta Khel assure support to army operation," Bajwa tweeted. "The tribesmen have assured the army that they would not let the militant to return to the area."[109]

Sunni Ulema Board

On 22 June 2014, more than 100 Islamic scholars issued a joint fatwa in support of the operation, calling it a jihad: "Crushing of the attempts to disrupt peaceful atmosphere in a Muslim state is jihad".[110]

International

TTP retaliation

Lahore

See main article: 2014 Wagah border suicide attack. On 2 November 2014, a suicide bombing following the daily parade took place at Wagah border in Pakistan, more than 55 killed and over 200 injured.[124] The attack was claimed by militant groups jamaat-ul-Ahrar and jundallah, sub-groups of TTP.

Peshawar

See main article: 2014 Peshawar school attack. On 16 December 2014, seven gunmen belonging to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)[125] entered an Army Public School in Pakistani city of Peshawar and opened fire on school staff and children, killing 145 people consisting majority of students.[126] [127] [128] The spokesperson of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Mohammad Omar Khorasani, took the responsibility for the attack and said it was revenge for Operation Zarb-e-Azb.[129]

State's Counter-retaliation

See main article: Targeted killings of TTP terrorists by Pakistan Armed Forces and police encounters in Pakistan. Responding to TTP's retaliatory attacks, Pakistan has mounted deadliest counter-retaliation on TTP; first removing the moratorium on executions of terrorists by the Presidential Order, and secondly establishing military courts commissions (roughly based on Gitmo). Pakistani authorities have issued "hang till death" orders to jail superintendents at the nationwide prisons. In weeks, a number of high-value detainees convicted on a terrorism charges were hanged.

Since December 2014, Pakistan's intelligence community, law enforcement agencies, antiterrorism forces, and inter-provincial police have been engaged in deadly police encounters in all over the country. News media have been televising the live actions on tracking down the militants and targeting the TTP operatives in series of police encounters. In the afternoon of 20 December, the KP Police and the special agents of the FIA raided a safe house in Shabqadar, a town located in 30km (20miles) north of Peshawar. In an exchange of fire at the safe house, the KPK police and the other law enforcement agencies gunned down the six TTP fighters, including their commander and two other high-value targets who assisted in the attack.[130] At the night of 20 December, the team of Pakistan Rangers personnel raided a safe house in Manghopir area of Karachi and killed five members of the TTP in a deadly shoot out.[131]

On 22 December 2014, Karachi Police and the CID teams chased down and killed the TTP leader, Abid Muchar,[132] along with his three associates in a police encounter. The same night, another action in took place in Karachi when the CID teams, in a high-speed chase in Hawke's Bay Beach, chased and apprehended five members of al-Qaeda's South Asian chapter who are suspected of planning an attack on a naval dockyard in Karachi in September.

Acting on a MI information, the navy's SSGN teams were inserted in secret hideout in Khyber Agency and stalked the six terrorists led by Saddam Jan— the mastermind of the Army Public School attack— at the midnight of 26 December 2014.[133] In a late night operations, the SSGN combat teams reportedly hunted and killed Jan along with his six militants, while trying to seek sanctuary. An unnamed senior Pakistan government official confirmed the report.[133]

On 9 January 2015, the CID teams gunned down the four al-Qaeda operatives after another high speed chase took place in Qayyumabad in Karachi.[134] In another separate midnight action in Lahore, the teams of FIA's special agents, assisted by the Punjab Police, raided a house located in Burki Road. Lasting almost two-hour gun battle, the FIA teams hunted and gunned down Roohullah (alias: Asadullah)—the mastermind of the Wagah border attack along with three of his associates. Since the attack, the FIA had been on a hunt for Roohullah and was finally killed in a police encounter in Lahore.[135]

Notes and References

  1. News: Khan. Wajahat S. Zarb-e-Azb: Gear up for the 'forever war'. 10 January 2015. A series of special reports on Operation Zarb-e-Azb by the newspaper's National Security Editor.. News International. News International, 2014 editorial. 14 October 2014.
  2. News: Zarb-e-Azb operation: 120 suspected militants killed in N Waziristan. Dawn. 15 June 2014. 16 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140713175045/http://www.dawn.com/news/1112909/zarb-e-azb-operation-120-suspected-militants-killed-in-n-waziristan . live. 13 July 2014.
  3. Javaid, U. and Javaid, R. (2016). Zarb-e-Azb: A Successful Initiative to Curtail Terrorism. South Asian Studies, 31(1), 281-296. - Argues that Operation Zarb-e-Azb was highly successful in dismantling terrorist networks in North Waziristan.
  4. Khan, S.R. and Khan, A. (2020). From War to Peace: The Challenges and Opportunities in Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Environment Post Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Journal of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, 15(2), 121-139. - Notes that Operation Zarb-e-Azb secured control over previous militant strongholds and denied them space.
  5. Gulf News (2016, June 16). Two years after 'Zarb-e-Azb': Pakistan stronger against terror. https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/two-years-after-zarb-e-azb-pakistan-stronger-against-terror-1.1850692 - Contemporary news analysis of the success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb after two years.
  6. Roul, A. (2016). How Operation Zarb-e-Azb Changed Pakistan’s Tribal Areas. Jamestown Foundation Terrorism Monitor, 14(12), 5-7. - Discusses gains made by Pakistan army in previously uncontrolled tribal areas during the operation.
  7. Weinbaum . Marvin G. . Insurgency and Violent Extremism in Pakistan . Small Wars & Insurgencies. 2017 . 28 . 1 . 45 . 10.1080/09592318.2016.1266130 . 151596312 .
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  25. Web site: Report: A former physics teacher is now leading ISIS — Business Insider. 23 April 2015. Business Insider. 29 June 2015.
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  33. Web site: 490 Pakistani soldiers, 3,500 militants killed in two-year operation . 15 June 2016 . Hindustan Times . Nearly 500 Pakistani soldiers and 3,500 militants were killed during two-year long ‘Operation Zarb-e-Azb’ launched by the military to clear the restive tribal region of terrorists . https://web.archive.org/web/20160615170546/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/490-pakistani-soldiers-3-500-militants-killed-in-two-year-operation/story-FloxbR67fEFSqeGWJAVyeP.html . 15 June 2016 . live.
  34. Web site: 3,400 militants killed in Operation Zarb-e-Azb: ISPR . 12 December 2015 . Express Tribune . https://web.archive.org/web/20151216094429/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1008791/3400-militants-killed-in-operation-zarb-e-azb-ispr/ . 16 December 2015 . live.
  35. Web site: Zarb-i-Azb: Phenomenal success achieved, says ISPR . 12 December 2015 . Dawn News . https://web.archive.org/web/20151212204255/https://www.dawn.com/news/1225922 . 12 December 2015 . live.
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  37. Web site: Militant commander Hafiz Saeed killed in Khyber blast. ARY NEWS . 17 April 2015.
  38. News: Air raids flatten 5 militant hideouts. 14 July 2014. The Express Tribune. 14 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140715081512/http://tribune.com.pk/story/735366/air-raids-flatten-5-militant-hideouts/. live. 15 July 2014.
  39. Web site: Operation Zarb-e-Azb updates archive. ISPR. 30 June 2014. 24 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181224193011/https://www.ispr.gov.pk/front/main.asp?o=t-zarb-e-azb-archive. dead.
  40. News: Gul. Pazir. Seven killed in clash between militant groups. 17 June 2014. Dawn. 16 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140624022434/http://www.dawn.com/news/1112948 . live. 24 June 2014.
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  49. News: Peace talks between Pakistan and Taliban collapse after killings . Maria Golovnina and Amjad Ali . 17 February 2014 . Reuters . 15 June 2014 . Golovnina . Maria . https://web.archive.org/web/20140711031206/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/us-pakistan-taliban-idUSBREA1G0MP20140217 . live . 11 July 2014.
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  51. News: Taliban infighting impedes Pakistan peace talks – Pakistan . Dawn. Pakistan . 15 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140713211724/http://www.dawn.com/news/1107309 . live . 13 July 2014.
  52. News: Jon Boone in Islamabad . Pakistani Taliban claim Karachi attack and leave peace talks in crisis . The Guardian . 15 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714180029/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/09/pakistan-taliban-karachi-attack-peace-talks . live . 14 July 2014.
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  55. News: Web Desk . Aerial bombing in Tirah valley kills 25 militants . The Express Tribune . 17 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140715003000/http://tribune.com.pk/story/719855/aerial-bombing-in-tirah-valley-kills-15-militants/ . live . 15 July 2014.
  56. News: Successive drone strikes leave at least 16 dead in N Waziristan – Pakistan . Dawn. Pakistan . 17 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140717143808/http://www.dawn.com/news/1112050 . live . 17 July 2014.
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  58. News: Mostly Uzbeks killed in overnight N Waziristan bombing: army – Pakistan . Dawn. Pakistan . 15 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140716120136/http://www.dawn.com/news/1112875/mostly-uzbeks-killed-in-overnight-n-waziristan-bombing-army . live . 16 July 2014.
  59. News: Karachi airport attack mastermind killed in N Waziristan: Sources – Pakistan . Dawn. Pakistan . 15 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140716133103/http://www.dawn.com/news/1112901 . dead . 16 July 2014.
  60. News: آصف فاروقی بی بی سی اردو ڈاٹ کام، اسلام آباد . پاکستان – BBC Urdu – 'حکومت نے آپریشن کے لیے 3 محاذوں پر تیاری کی' . BBC . 1 January 1970 . 16 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140617190616/http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/pakistan/2014/06/140615_preperation_waziristan_operation_tim.shtml . live . 17 June 2014.
  61. News: Supporters and critics weigh in on operation – Pakistan . Dawn. Pakistan . 15 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714182723/http://www.dawn.com/news/1112910/supporters-and-critics-weigh-in-on-operation . live . 14 July 2014.
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  65. News: Unending campaign: Drone strike kills 11 suspected militants in North Waziristan. 19 July 2014. The Express Tribune. 20 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140720185829/http://tribune.com.pk/story/737823/unending-campaign-drone-strike-kills-11-suspected-militants-in-north-waziristan/. live. 20 July 2014.
  66. News: Drone strike kills 6 in North Waziristan. 6 August 2014. The ExpressTribune. 14 August 2014.
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  68. Web site: Drone strike kills five in South Waziristan . DAWN . 7 October 2014 . Zahir Shah Sherazi. 5 October 2014 .
  69. News: Drone strike kills eight, wounds six in North Waziristan . Zahir Shah Sherazi . 6 October 2014 . Dawn . 7 October 2014.
  70. News: Second drone attack of the day kills three suspected militants in NWA . Zahir Shah Sherazi . 7 October 2014 . Dawn . 7 October 2014.
  71. News: Drone strike kills four suspected militants in North Waziristan . Zahir Shah Sherazi . 30 October 2014 . Dawn . 30 October 2014.
  72. News: US drone strike kills four in North Waziristan . Zahir Shah Sherazi . 11 November 2014 . DAWN . 11 November 2014.
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  76. News: Hafiz Gul Bahadur group targeted in N Waziristan drone strike . Zahir Shah Sherazi . 3 January 2014 . Dawn . 3 January 2015.
  77. News: US drone strike kills seven in South Waziristan . Zahir Shah Shirazi . 15 January 2015 . Dawn . 16 January 2015.
  78. News: US drone attack in North Waziristan kills six . Zahir Shah Shirazi . 19 January 2015 . Dawn . 19 January 2015.
  79. News: US drone strike kills six in North Waziristan . Zahir Shah Shirazi . 28 January 2015 . Dawn . 28 January 2015.
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  81. Web site: Drone strike in northwest Pakistan kills four suspected militants . Reuters . Javed Hussain and Saud Mehsud . 12 April 2015 . 16 April 2015.
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  86. News: At least nine killed in NWA drone strike. 6 June 2015. Pakistan Today. 14 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924122504/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2015/06/06/national/at-least-nine-killed-in-nwa-drone-strike/ . live. 24 September 2015.
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  88. News: 2,763 terrorists killed in Operation Zarb-e-Azb. 14 June 2015. The Express Tribune. 14 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150615003833/http://tribune.com.pk/story/903282/2763-terrorists-killed-in-operation-zarb-e-azb/. live. 15 June 2015.
  89. News: 2,763 terrorists, 347 Pakistan army personnel killed in Zarb-e-Azb so far: ISPR. 13 June 2015. DND. 14 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150615053424/http://www.dnd.com.pk/2763-terrorists-347-pakistan-army-personnel-killed-in-zarb-e-azb-so-far-ispr/93924. live. 15 June 2015.
  90. News: A hard-fought year. 16 June 2015. The Express Tribune. 17 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150618160906/http://tribune.com.pk/story/904105/a-hard-fought-year/. live. 18 June 2015.
  91. News: Zarb-i-Azb : Phenomenal success achieved, says ISPR. 12 December 2015. Dawn News. 12 December 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150617153717/http://www.dawn.com/news/1188058. 17 June 2015 . live.
  92. News: Pak to launch 'final phase' of Operation Zarb-i-Azb next month. 14 June 2015. Business Standard. 17 June 2015.
  93. News: COAS visits forward most locations near Pak-Afghan border. 3 July 2015. The Nation. 3 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150704192314/http://nation.com.pk/national/03-Jul-2015/coas-visits-forward-most-locations-near-pak-afghan-border. dead. 4 July 2015.
  94. News: US, UAE provide $51m for N Waziristan IDPs. 6 July 2014. The Express Tribune. 7 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140711111047/http://tribune.com.pk/story/731993/us-uae-provide-51m-for-n-waziristan-idps/. live. 11 July 2014.
  95. News: 0.57m IDPs registered, Rs 329.5m distributed so far, Nawaz informed. 7 July 2014. Pakistan Tribune. 7 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140714222108/http://paktribune.com/news/057m-IDPs-registered-Rs-3295m-distributed-so-far-Nawaz-informed-270135.html. live. 14 July 2014.
  96. News: PM has given clear instructions not to seek external assistance: FO. 10 July 2014. The Express Tribune. 10 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140711013529/http://tribune.com.pk/story/733684/pm-has-given-clear-instructions-not-to-seek-external-assistance-fo/. live. 11 July 2014.
  97. News: Haider. Mateen. Zarb-i-Azb: US announce $9.3 million more in IDPs aid. 22 Jul 2014. Dawn. 22 Jul 2014.
  98. News: Seeking assistance: Zarb-e-Azb to cost $1.3b, Dar tells US legislator. 19 February 2015. The Express Tribune. 24 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150524135019/http://tribune.com.pk/story/840678/seeking-assistance-zarb-e-azb-to-cost-1-3b-dar-tells-us-legislator/. live. 24 May 2015.
  99. News: Winding up the offensive: Army gives nod for return of IDPs to N Waziristan. 8 December 2014. The Express Tribune. 23 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150620185141/http://tribune.com.pk/story/803426/winding-up-the-offensive-army-gives-nod-for-return-of-idps-to-n-waziristan/. live. 20 June 2015.
  100. News: IDPs' return to North Waziristan begins. 1 April 2015. Dawn News. 23 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150620182649/http://www.dawn.com/news/1173162. 20 June 2015. live.
  101. News: Return of North Waziristan IDPs continues at snail's pace. 4 May 2015. Dawn News. 23 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150507184234/http://www.dawn.com/news/1179902. 7 May 2015. live.
  102. News: Operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' gets a 'thumbs up' on social media – Pakistan . Dawn. Pakistan . 15 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140716094052/http://www.dawn.com/news/1112911 . 16 July 2014 . live.
  103. News: Groundswell of support: PTI endorses operation to flush out Waziristan militants . The Express Tribune . 17 June 2014 . 8 July 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714210149/http://tribune.com.pk/story/722854/groundswell-of-support-pti-endorses-operation-to-flush-out-waziristan-militants/ . live . 14 July 2014.
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  105. News: Siraj-ul-Haq urges govt to keep doors open for peace talks. Khyber News . https://web.archive.org/web/20140709101526/http://khybernews.tv/newsDetails.php?cat=7&key=NjAxODI= . dead. 9 July 2014.
  106. News: Operation to cause colossal human tragedy, claims JI. The News. 17 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140711175124/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-256531-Operation-to-cause-colossal-human-tragedy--claims-JI . live. 11 July 2014.
  107. News: Better late than never! . Staff report . 16 June 2014 . Pakistan Today . 18 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140713124220/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2014/06/16/national/better-late-than-never-5/ . live . 13 July 2014.
  108. News: Massive political support for military operation . 16 June 2014 . Asim Yasin, The News . 18 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140713170457/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-30958-Massive-political-support-for-military-operation . live . 13 July 2014.
  109. News: Tribal elders of North Waziristan assure support to Zarb-e-Azb: ISPR . Pakistan Today . 21 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140713130831/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2014/06/21/national/tribal-elders-of-north-waziristan-assure-support-to-zarb-e-azb-ispr/ . live . 13 July 2014.
  110. News: Ulema declare operation Zarb-e-Azb as jihad . Pak Tribune . 23 June 2014 . 23 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714152449/http://paktribune.com/news/Ulema-declare-operation-Zarb-e-Azb-as-jihad-269863.html . live . 14 July 2014.
  111. News: Afghanistan assures Pakistan of full support in NWA operation . Daily Times Pakistan . 19 June 2014 . 23 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714204155/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/19-Jun-2014/afghanistan-assures-pakistan-of-full-support-in-nwa-operation . dead . 14 July 2014.
  112. News: UAE Extends Support to Pakistan against Militants | News Pakistan . Newspakistan.pk . 27 February 2012 . 26 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714163746/http://www.newspakistan.pk/2014/06/24/uae-extends-support-pakistan-militants/ . live . 14 July 2014.
  113. News: APP . UAE announces $2.5m for IDPs in N Waziristan – The Express Tribune . Tribune.com.pk . 26 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140712161935/http://tribune.com.pk/story/726869/uae-announces-2-5m-for-idps-in-n-waziristan/ . live . 12 July 2014.
  114. News: Polio may spread in wake of North Waziristan operation: UN – Pakistan . Dawn . 24 June 2014 . 26 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140713192558/http://www.dawn.com/news/1114844/polio-may-spread-in-wake-of-north-waziristan-operation-un . live . 13 July 2014.
  115. News: US supports operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' against Taliban . The News International . 9 June 2014 . 16 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714222648/http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-150955-US-supports-operation-Zarb-e-Azb-against-Taliban . dead . 14 July 2014.
  116. News: US pressure for operation in Waziristan mounts . The News International . 17 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714222547/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-255979-US-pressure-for-operation-in-Waziristan-mounts . live . 14 July 2014.
  117. News: US not taken into confidence over North Waziristan operation . The News International . 9 June 2014 . 16 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140713170515/http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-150881-US-not-taken-into-confidence-over-North-Waziristan-operation . live . 13 July 2014.
  118. News: Operation Zarb-i-Azb disrupted Haqqani network: US general. 6 November 2014. Dawn. 7 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141107130307/http://www.dawn.com/news/1142664/. live. 7 November 2014.
  119. News: China supports military operation. 10 July 2014. Dawn. 10 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140710153549/http://www.dawn.com/news/1118302. live. 10 July 2014.
  120. News: Chairman State Duma appreciates Pakistan's efforts for stability in region. 19 June 2015.
  121. News: Russia stands with Pakistan in fight against extremism, Army chief told. 19 June 2015.
  122. News: Deal with Russia for purchase of Mi-35 attack helicopters on the cards. 19 June 2015.
  123. News: Russia praises Operation Zarb-e-Azb. 18 June 2015. The News. 18 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150619002428/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-38096-Russia-praises-Operation-Zarb-e-Azb. live. 19 June 2015.
  124. News: Suicide bombing? At least 55 killed, over 200 injured in Wagah border bomb blast. IndianExpress.com.
  125. Web site: Peshawar school attack: Over 100 killed in Pakistani Taliban attack, hundreds of students hostage . DNA India . 16 December 2014 . 16 December 2014.
  126. Web site: Peshawar school hostage crisis updates . The Express Tribune . 16 December 2014 . 16 December 2014.
  127. News: Kearney . Seamus . 16 December 2014 . Children targeted in Pakistan's deadliest militant attack in years; 132 students are killed . Euronews . 16 December 2014.
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  129. Web site: TTP militants storm Peshawar school; 131 killed, more than 100 injured. Pakistan Today. 16 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141218181927/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2014/12/16/national/militants-attack-peshawar-school-five-students-injured/. 18 December 2014. dead.
  130. News: Six militants killed in Peshawar operation. 20 December 2014. Dunya News. 20 December 2014.
  131. News: Rangers kill three 'terrorists' in Karachi shootout. 20 December 2014.
  132. News: TTP commander Abid Muchar, three militants killed in Karachi. 22 December 2014. Express Tribunes. 22 December 2014.
  133. News: Yusufzai. Ashfaq. Mastermind of Peshawar school attack killed. Telegraph, Pakistan Bureau. Telegraph, Pakistan Bureau, 2014. 26 December 2014. Pakistan says it has killed the alleged mastermind of a school attack in Peshawar that claimed the lives of 132 children . 20 June 2015.
  134. News: Samaa TV. Al-Qaeda Karachi chief among 4 militants killed. 9 January 2015. Samaa TV. Samaa TV. 9 January 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150109123842/http://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/09-Jan-2015/al-qaeda-karachi-chief-among-4-militants-killed. 9 January 2015. dead.
  135. News: Haider. Nadeem. Wagah blast 'mastermind', two others killed in Lahore. 10 January 2015. Dawn News. Dawn News, 9 January. 10 January 2015.

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