Parachinar: Army declares victory in Orakzai

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Army declares victory in Orakzai

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Army declares victory in Orakzai

* COAS appreciates 'professional conduct of the operation which has cleared the agency of terrorists'

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army on Tuesday declared victory over the Taliban in one of their strongholds in the tribal belt bordering Afghanistan, the Orakzai Agency, saying the military operation in the region is finished.

The announcement was part of a military statement describing a visit to Orakzai and Kurram agencies by Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had fled from Orakzai due to the military operation could expect to return home soon. More than 200,000 people are believed to have poured out of the area since the end of last year.

Appreciation: "Kayani's visit to Orakzai Agency marks the successful conclusion of operations in the agency," the statement said, adding, "He appreciated the professional conduct of the operation which has cleared the agency of terrorists."

According to sources, during his visit to Kurram Agency, the COAS was briefed about the security situation in the area. He also met with the elders of the Masharan tribe in Parachinar, the agency headquarters.

The COAS thanked the tribal elders for their undying support to the security forces and reassured them that life in the region would return to normal and the people would prosper once again, sources said. He also paid a visit to Kalaya tehsil in Lower Orakzai, sources added.