ISLAMABAD: The security forces on Saturday took complete control of important stronghold of TTP Kotkai town, the native place of terrorists leader Hakim Ullah Mehsud and Qari Hussain after intense fighting during the ongoing operation Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan.

Briefing the media here, ISPR Director General Major Gen Athar Abbas said 21 terrorists have been killed while three soldiers embraced martyrdom, and eight others sustained injuries during the last 24 hours.
 
He said, Kotkai was stronghold of terrorists with majority of houses converted into strong bunkers. Mastermind of suicide bombers Qari Hussain was also running training camp in the town, he added.

Gen Athar said, security forces were in the process of clearing the built up area from IEDs, mines and booby traps. Similarly, he said the security forces have taken complete control of Shishwam and were securing surrounding heights.

Quoting various intelligence reports, he said that there was large scale desertions amongst the rank and file of terrorists groups who were on run after getting their beards shaved and haircut from the area. He termed it one of the successes of the ongoing operation as their own loyalists are parting ways.    

ISPR DG Gen Athar Abbas said local sources have also confirmed that 80-90 terrorists were killed including Uzbeks and other foreign terrorists and 150 terrorists injured during initial stages on October 17-18 in Spinkai/Kund Sector.

He said after securing Chalwastai, security forces were in the process of securing important height of Tarkona Narai.

This feature has number of terraces with fortified positions and was dominating important Y Junction on road leading to Kaniguram and Sar Wakai, he said and added that stiff resistance was being put up by terrorists. In exchange of fire 6 terrorists have been killed, he said.

Gen Athar Abbas said the security forces recovered a large number of rifles and 1 x 14.5 mm gun from a compound during search and clearance operation at Khaisura village. He said on main Axis route 1 ammunition laden vehicle has been destroyed alongwith with 3 terrorists killed.

Replying to a question, the DG said the government has no accord with any militants groups, however, there were accords with Ahmadzai and Wazir tribes in South Waziristan and North Waziristan respectively. It was the responsibility of the tribes to abide by the accords, he added.

He contradicted a report regarding a drone attack at Damadola, he said it was not a drone attack but according to reports some explosive laden vehicles were exploded causing casualties.

To a question regarding foreign support, the DG said “our security forces are fully capable to accomplish the job and we don’t want any type of external support in this regard. “We are not relying on others and are replicating formate of Swat operation, he added.     

The terrorists hideout and weapons were destroyed by aerial targeting to soften the field for ground operation, he said.

Meanwhile, three terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Nawan Killi and  Zara Khela during Swat - Malakand- Operation Rah-e-Rast.

The security forces conducted search operation at Sariath Sar, near Maindam, Baidara near Khawazakhela, Shalpalam, Dagai and near Kabbal and apprehended 10 terrorists.