Talibinization has deeply spread in the civil society of Pashtun living along both sides of Durand Line. It is rapidly spreading in the settled districts of N.W.F.P of Pakistan and poses credible threat to the Province of Punjab. Pakistan Army is facing the biggest challenge to participate in the War on Terror and win it by eliminating and containing Talibinization. Pakistan's has a compulsion to participate in the American War on terror. In pursuit of the goal to be recognized by Washington as an efficient and credible partner and to safeguard Pakistan's sovereignty, Pakistan deployed more than two infantry division with additional infantry, SSG, Frontier Corps and Aviation in Waziristan. This force could not achieve strategic effects on the elimination or containment of Taliban. There is a need for Pakistan to re-evaluate its policy options and layout a realistic strategic option to realize the strategic goal to reduce and contain Talibinization while remaining as a useful ally in the War on Terror. In the back drop of Pakistan Army storming of Lal Masjid fortress in Islamabad, this paper recommends a policy option in which the political government with Para Military forces should carry the onus of responsibility to eliminate and contain Talibinization while Pakistan Army remains deployed on strategically important locations to react rapidly when considered necessary.
Part1-Operation Against Rebels in the Lal Masjid
2007 did not dawn well for the US war on terror. Al Qaeda was reorganizing, Taliban were snatching initiative from the Allied Forces in Afghanistan. President George Bush was facing political challenges from democratic dominated Congress. American public openly demanded withdrawal from Iraq. President Pervez Musharraf popularity graph slide after moving a charge sheet against the Chief of Justice, Ifthekhar Muhammad Chaudhry. It turned into a highly charged movement through out the country and the Government seemed politically unprepared and surprised to deal with the support the Chief Justice Movement received. Dozen of political workers were allegedly killed by Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Karachi on May 12, 2007 when the Chief Justice wanted to stage a rally in Karachi. MQM is a partner in the Muslim League Government in Islamabad and Sind Province.
Two division of military forces deployed in Waziristan were outstretched, confined to their posts. Their lines of communication remained highly vulnerable against the dreaded suicidal bombers. Army had withdrawn from most of the posts on the Durand Line after a peace agreement with Taliban signed by Governor Ali Ahmad Jan immediately after he took charge as Governor NWFP in May 2006. This peace agreement which has been unilaterally abrogated by Taliban after operation against rebels in the Lal Masjid came under criticism by Washington.
Pakistan Army which had historically enjoyed immunity from political back lash and had always enjoyed respect and confidence of the people of Pakistan was openly criticized. The Army no more enjoyed security in the cantonments and garrison throughout the country and had to deploy extra efforts to safe guard against surprise terrorist’s attacks
In the aftermath of 9/11 due to Pakistan’s strategic compulsion and interest, Pakistan got inextricably involved in the war on terror. President Pervez Musharraf emerged as an important leader in the World due to his commitment to fight the war on terror. Knowing him personally, I do not subscribe to the popular belief and understanding that his role in the War on Terror was influenced by his ambition to prolong his hold on power. I knew Musharraf as a military leader who had an excellent way to influence the attitude of those whom he lead through his unique stamina to work hard without showing any signs of fatigue, he has been blessed with a very clear head who thinks logically without demonstrating it. He is an ambitious person who is aware of his ability however he also has the tolerance to listen to others. He feels comfortable with men of lesser caliber on his staff members who are either incompetent or hesitant to give him correct analysis and recommendations at the correct time. His personal integrity is beyond any doubt.
History of Lal Masjid
The Lal Masjid was built in 1965 and was named for its red wall and interior. It enjoyed patronage of successive Governments. It is also believed that Lal Masjid also enjoyed patronage of intelligence agencies. The mosque had been housing thousands of male and female students most of whom came from poverty stricken families of NWFP.
Pakistan's president, General Zia-ul-Haq, as well as subsequent ISI officials had very close relationships with Maulana Abdullah, the former head of the mosque, who had a long history of fanning sectarianism. During the Soviet war in Afghanistan (1979-1989) the mosque played a major role in recruiting and training jihadis to fight along with the Afghan mujahideen.
After Abdullah was assassinated in the 1998, his sons Abdul Aaziz Ghazi and Abdul Rashid Ghazi took over the mosque, making it a centre for hard line Sunni Deobandi teaching and openly opposing the government.
Following the Septembe 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, the Pakistani government announced that it would be supporting the United States-led "war on terror". This was strongly opposed by the leadership of the Lal Masjid, which was openly pro-Taliban. Frequent calls for the assassination of President Pervez Musharraf were made at the mosque. In July 2005, the Pakistani authorities attempted to raid the mosque in connection with the investigation into the 7 July 2005 London bombings but police were repulsed by baton-wielding female students.
During 2006 and the first half of 2007, the mosque's students and leadership challenged the authority of the government in the capital by setting up a parallel Taliban-style judicial system, and instigated scores of incidents including kidnappings, arson and murder. In recent statements, Ghazi openly threatened the government with suicide bombings. Some high profile incidents include:
Destruction of public and private property
Taking over a children's library
Terrorizing people and businessmen
A seemingly soft approach taken by the government in dealings with the mosque has led to accusations of leniency on the part of President Pervez Musharraf It is ironical to note that in Pakistan all the happenings are blamed at the President or Army.
Siege
On July 3, 2007, the stand-off between militants barricaded inside the mosque and the government resulted in bloody gun battles in which over twenty people, including students of the mosque, media persons, paramilitary personnel, and a businessman, were reportedly killed and over a hundred others were injured. An FIR was later registered against Ghazi brothers with charges ranging from kidnapping and murder to treason, and terrorism.
To avoid collateral loss, on July 4, 2007 the government offered amnesty to juvenile students if they surrendered. Over 1000 of the radical followers surrendered. Abdul Aziz tried to take advantage of the situation by attempting to slip through a tightening siege while wearing a burqa. His unusually tall physique and large belly alerted a policewoman as she searched fleeing students. Moreover, he refused to pass through the metal detectors that all surrendering students were supposed to pass through. The group of girls surrounding him claimed that their "aunty" was sick and should not be harassed by the policewomen. This increased the policewomen's suspicions and they went through his purse, which was stuffed with lipsticks, a woman's ID card, and a pistol. He was, consequently, arrested by law enforcement agencies. A reward was announced for the rangers who captured Abdul Aziz.
Government and Security officials had continuously asked Maulana Abdul Rashid Ghazi to surrender but after last ditch efforts to secure the release of "hostages" and bring the matter to a peaceful conclusion failed, "Operation Silence" commenced. 164 Elite Commandoes of Pakistan Army Special Services group stormed the Mosque/Madrassah complex from three sides. Police and Paramilitary forces secured the outer parameter of the complex. The gate and walls of Mosque were breached.
At dawn on Tuesday, 10 July, after attempts at negotiation failed, government troops stormed the mosque, and took control of most of the complex during heavy fighting which raged as they went from room to room throughout the day. The Army hoped to finish the intervention as soon as possible. Although the operation had started, the militants could still negotiate with the Pakistani authorities. According to ISPR (inter services public relations) spokesman Maj General Waheed Arshad the militants were fully equipped and put up fierce resistance. At that point, an estimated 70 militants had either been captured or killed.
The Operation
Pakistan Army operation silence was widely watched on the television in Pakistan and by Pakistani Community around the World. The operation looks to have been planned in three phases. Troops involved in the operation are estimated to be an Infantry Brigade with under command an SSG battalion ,a mechanized company , two wings of Rangers and a sizeable force of police:-
· Phase 1 Cordon and Siege. This phase was aimed at breaking the will of the militants to surrender, to provide opportunities to the women children and students to leave the mosque and to enable the government to arrive at a negotiated settlement. In this phase maximum efforts were concentrated to create breaches in the boundary wall of the twin fortress. Heavy cross fire was experienced between the security forces and militants. In this phase the desired objectives were not fully realized. Even after a week long Siege the militants were in good physical and mental state to give strong resistance to the security forces.
· Phase 2- Clearances of Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa. This Phase was launched at 0400 Hours instead of midnight. SSG anti terrorist troops were leading this phase with Elite Commando police troops in support. Army troops either supported the troops from the cordon or followed to take over areas covered by the SSG troops. This phase faced heavy resistance and took about 24 hours instead of three to four hours as initially estimated by the spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad. The SSG troops secured Lal Masjid with in two hours which was lightly defended. The Militants withdrew to the multistoried Masjid Hafsa and started giving tough resistance. The open compound between the Jamia and Masjid provided excellent killing ground to the militants and advance of SSG troops across the open compound was difficult. Army could not use heavy weapons like artillery / gunship helicopters nerve gas due to the fear that a large number of women and children were still in the Mosque. Abdur Rashid Ghazi was killed at about 1600 hours and the resistance of militants was over come after his death. During the next night SSG cleared the massive four storey structure of the Jamia Hafza and faced resistance especially in the basements. SSG suffered 40 causalities out of a total 164 which were reported to have participated in the clearance operation. The causality rate was intense for the SSG. More than100 militants were killed the government declared 72 militants killed.
· In phase 3 the battle field was cleaned and sanitized. This phase was well planned, well coordinated and executed. Massive causalities evacuation was undertaken; records of militants and their tests were carried out. Finger printing was carried out by NADRA and dead bodies were taken to Sehala, a police installation about 20 KM from Lal Masjid and buried in the grave yard in a western grave yard of Islamabad.
Brigadier Javed Iqbal Cheema, of the Interior Ministry, said the body of Mr Ghazi had been found in the basement of the women's school after what was described as intense fighting. Reports said the cleric had been shot twice and failed to respond when called upon to surrender. At that point, commandos fired a final volley of shots at him. Other reports stated that militants refused to allow Mr. Ghazi to surrender and that he was killed in crossfire.
Aftermath
Following the week long siege, the bodies of the deceased militants have been buried in temporary graves, awaiting collection from family members. Hundreds of Abdul Rashid Ghazi's supporters attended his funeral in his Punjabi village, and calls for Holy War were made. Although many Pakistanis are in favor of the suppression of radicalism, authorities fear a violent backlash from the more fundamental section of the population. The police and military were placed on high alert, as the country entered three days of mourning. Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda's second in command, released a message which included the sentence: "Your salvation is only through jihad", thus heightening tensions in the region.
Speaking at a televised address to the nation President Pervez Musharraf said he was determined that extremism and terrorism would be eradicated in Pakistan. "Unfortunately we have been up against our own people... they had strayed from the right path and become susceptible to terrorism."
"What do we as a nation want?" President Musharraf asked. "What kind of Islam do these people represent?"
"In the garb of Islamic teaching they have been training for terrorism... they prepared the madrassa as a fortress for war and housed other terrorists in there.
"I will not allow any madrassa to be used for extremism."
Immediately after the fall of Lal Masjid, Al-Qaeda issued threats to Pakistan and President Musharrafin a video released on an Islamic website.
US Response to the Lal Masjid Operation
The west has welcomed the end of the Lal Masjid rebellion and greeted President Musharraf’s reaffirmed determination to defeat religious militancy. Richard Boucher, the US assistant secretary of state of Central and South Asian affairs, said on Thursday that an elected government in Pakistan would be a better safeguard against terrorism. Mr. Boucher, who was under intense questioning in the House of Representatives over what is perceived as the United States’ unreserved support for the Musharraf administration, said General Musharraf himself agreed that his country should have an elected government. Speaking two days after the main operation against the mosque’s occupation came to an end, the congressmen; both Republican and Democrat demanded a review of American policy towards Pakistan. They expressed doubts about General Musharraf ability to take effective action against terrorism, tolerating the growth in the ranks of al-Qaeda and Taliban followers in Pakistan and criticized his failure to crack down on militants’ training camps. They even accused the Pakistani leader of obstructing democracy. The overall confidence in Gen Musharraf’s ability to lead Pakistan out of the crisis and continue to serve US interests is being viewed by the American congress especially the democrats.
Militants Hit Back in Quick Succession In Swat, DI Khan,Mir Ali, Mada Khel and Islamabad
Attack in Swat and DI Khan.
Suicide bombings in Swat and Dera Ismail Khan districts on Sunday July 15, 2007 killed 45 people — mostly security personnel — and injured nearly 100 others as violence continued in different parts of the NWFP.
Suicide bombers targeted a military convoy in Matta in the Northern Swat district and a police recruitment centre in the southern city of Dera Ismail Khan. Most of those killed were the Army soldiers and policemen.
The scale of the devastation caused by the bombings showed that the sponsors of the attacks were pursuing a path of vengeance of Lal Masjid.
At least 13 security personnel and six civilians, including three minors, were killed and more than 50 injured, when two suicide bombers and an improvised explosive device simultaneously struck three Army vehicles in a convoy in Swat on Sunday morning.
A battalion of the Army in Swat was moving to the Government College Matta for deployment from Kanju via Khwazakhela when it was attacked at Sambat, the entry point to the town.
The suicide bombers left seven vehicles at the head of the convoy that were carrying policemen and FC personnel and struck eighth 65-seater coach boarded by Army men. The second bomber struck at the tail of the convoy targeting another Army truck, while yet another Army truck carrying luggage ran over an IED.
Attack in Islamabad. On Tuesday July 17, 2007 militant leader Baitullah Mahsud declared war against the Government of Pakistan. On the same day a military convoy was targeted at Mir Ali in the North Waziristan in which 5 soldiers were killed.
Fifteen persons, including three women, were killed and more than 50 wounded in a suicide bomb explosion near the stage prepared for the address of the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
According to sources, the suicide bomb blast could be a result of PPP’s support to the Lal Masjid operation. Ms. Benazir Bhutto demanded immediate resignation of the Government which failed to provide security to the people. General Hameed Gul a former ISI Chief termed it as an American conspiracy against Pakistan’s nuclear program through civil war. Richard Boucher said that Washington will provide full support to Pakistan to fight terrorism. He also said that US will finance equipping the Frontier Corps. Naseem Zehra commented that there is a need for national consensus among all the political parties. The Government or the Army alone can not handle this unprecedented security challenge.
July 18, 2007, Attack in North Waziristan
Army troops moving to the border west of Miran Shah were ambushed near Mada Khel. In the exchange of fire 17 personnel of the Army were killed and 12 injured. 5 militants were killed in the skirmish.A skirmish also occurred with the troops of Frontier Corps near Mir Ali in which 5 militants were killed. While commenting on the Geo TV, General Aslam Baig, a former COAS said that Taliban is not an independent entity but are protected by the tribal leadership like Baitullah Mahsud. They fought a war of independence against the Soviets and won. They are again in a state of war against the foreign forces and they will win again. General Aslam Baig estimated that two fresh infantry ddivision are being moved to NWFP. One is being deployed in Swat and another probably in Waziristan.
In Washington, fresh intelligence estimates were presented in which it has been concluded that Al Qaeda has reorganized in the Tribal Area of Pakistan and is poised for fresh attacks on the US.
Governor NWFP sent a delegation to Wana in South Waziristan to renegotiate the September 2006 Peace Accord. Although Washington commented that the peace Accord should be scrapped and Pakistan should go on all out offensive against Taliban for which the US will extend full support.
President Musharraf was quoted by the press to have said that Emergency will not be imposed and election will be held on schedule. He commented that the National Security Council has approved deployment Army in NWFP. The MMA government in NWFP stated that in the NSC meeting the Chief Minister demande Police, Constabulary and Frontier Corps troops and did not demand deployment of Army. Qazi Hussain demanded withdrawal of Army from the NWFP.
PART 2 Policy options
Government Decides to Deploy Additional Forces in NWFP.
On Monday July 15, President Musharraf chaired a high level meeting attended by the prime Minister, Governor NWFP, Interior Minister, Vice Chief of Army Staff and few important staff officers of the president and GHQ. The brief press release mentioned that the Government had prepared a strategic plan to deal with the fall out of Lal Masjid which could not be implemented before the operation on Lal Masjid. It was also revealed that the new strategy will be implemented. It did not give out the details of contingency plan except that Para military forces, police and levies will be strengthened and equipped to deal with the law and order situation efficiently.
Simultaneously the Chief Minister of NWFP chaired a high level Jirga drawn from the elders of Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) of Malakand Division and settled districts bordering FATA and PATA. It was decided that political solution will be found for the unrest in the Province provided Army did not undertake any operation unless called by the provincial government in Aid of Civil Power. MMA an alliance of religious parties is in power in the NWFP.
Chief of Jamath E Islami, Qazi Hussain Ahmed announced that he would take full responsibility for peace in the Malakand Division if the Federal Government avoids taking military action against the militants. It was also emphasized by Governor Ai Ahmad Jan, Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani and leader of the opposition in the Parliment Maulana Fazl e Rahman that the Government should not abrogate peace accord with Taliban which will have dire consequences for the peace in the settled area of NWFP.
The outline of Government response.
Politically there is difference of opinion between the federal government and MMA government in NWFP. The latter does not support military operation in Malakand Division. Legally, the provincial government can not oppose deployment in FATA and Federal government can not take military action in Malakand division unless is requisitioned by the Provincial Government.
Frontier Warfare in the inhospitable terrain of FATA and Malakand Division of PATA are difficult. Extensive deployment results in the dilution of force and exposure of lines of communications to the militants attacks. The doctrine of Frontier Warfare developed by the British Indian Army is based on its historical experience of fighting the tribesmen. The salient of this doctrine if followed by Pakistan Army, it will reduce its casualties and exposure. The British deployed its major military forces in the well protected and well developed cantonments of DI Khan, Bannu and Thall for Waziristan. Wana and Miran Shah were held lightly by the Army. Frontier Corps was deployed in the FATA which was in contact with the tribesmen. Army only took punitive action through expeditions from its basis in the settled districts when tribesmen defaulted on the agreements which they had signed with the British government.
British doctrine may not be applicable in the prevailing environment but study of history of British Army’s operations and its doctrine of Frontier warfare will be beneficial.
Strategic Option
The Federal government has the option to fight the War against Taliban by the Army as a lead agency which it tried for the last 4 years and did not achieve results of strategic consequences. In this policy option, Talibinization spread in the settled districts of NWFP, the Army formations were stretched in the wild expanse of Waziristan where their lines of communication remained highly vulnerable to the suicide attacks. Taliban under the patronage of Sufi Muhammad opened a new front in Malakand Agency, where Army can only be employed if requisitioned by the provincial government of NWFP.
In the overall unfavorable political environment, the Federal Government has a policy option in which the problem should be solved politically. In the overall scenario of war on terror. The policy should have the following cardinal points:-
• The government should seek political solution to the Talibinization which is spreading in the settled districts of Pakistan and will soon threaten neighboring Province of Punjab. The Government of NWFP can and should play a proactive role in coordination with the Federal Government.
• Army ( GHQ or ISI.should not play a leading role in the formulation of strategy to conduct operations in FATA or PATA. The lead agency should be the National Security Council.
• Frontier Corps (FC NWFP), Frontier Constabulary should be reorganized and modernized to undertake their responsibilities.
• Army units should only be deployed in FATA and in Malakand Division at historically established cantonments. FC and Constabulary units should be deployed on the road protection and in established posts and garrison to react quickly to any law and order situation.
• Rapid Deployment Forces should have the ability to move quickly, take punitive action and withdraw to their cantonments.
Washington and Kabul will be opposed to this policy option. In the US there is growing pressure on the government especially from the democrats that Musharraf is either incapable or is unwilling to do more as an important US ally. There is a growing pressure on the Bush Administration to allow the US forces in Afghanistan to take hot pursuit operations in FATA. This will happen any way even if Musharraf deploys two more divisions in FATA and PATA. Pakistan, as an important ally in the War on Terror should be capable to fight the war on its own soil with its own knowledge of the environment and its own political compulsions.
Author of this article Maj Gen (Retd) Sultan Habib. Former IGFC (NWFP), Former Ambassador of Pakistan in North Korea
Email:sultan.habib1@gmail.com
Part1-Operation Against Rebels in the Lal Masjid
2007 did not dawn well for the US war on terror. Al Qaeda was reorganizing, Taliban were snatching initiative from the Allied Forces in Afghanistan. President George Bush was facing political challenges from democratic dominated Congress. American public openly demanded withdrawal from Iraq. President Pervez Musharraf popularity graph slide after moving a charge sheet against the Chief of Justice, Ifthekhar Muhammad Chaudhry. It turned into a highly charged movement through out the country and the Government seemed politically unprepared and surprised to deal with the support the Chief Justice Movement received. Dozen of political workers were allegedly killed by Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Karachi on May 12, 2007 when the Chief Justice wanted to stage a rally in Karachi. MQM is a partner in the Muslim League Government in Islamabad and Sind Province.
Two division of military forces deployed in Waziristan were outstretched, confined to their posts. Their lines of communication remained highly vulnerable against the dreaded suicidal bombers. Army had withdrawn from most of the posts on the Durand Line after a peace agreement with Taliban signed by Governor Ali Ahmad Jan immediately after he took charge as Governor NWFP in May 2006. This peace agreement which has been unilaterally abrogated by Taliban after operation against rebels in the Lal Masjid came under criticism by Washington.
Pakistan Army which had historically enjoyed immunity from political back lash and had always enjoyed respect and confidence of the people of Pakistan was openly criticized. The Army no more enjoyed security in the cantonments and garrison throughout the country and had to deploy extra efforts to safe guard against surprise terrorist’s attacks
In the aftermath of 9/11 due to Pakistan’s strategic compulsion and interest, Pakistan got inextricably involved in the war on terror. President Pervez Musharraf emerged as an important leader in the World due to his commitment to fight the war on terror. Knowing him personally, I do not subscribe to the popular belief and understanding that his role in the War on Terror was influenced by his ambition to prolong his hold on power. I knew Musharraf as a military leader who had an excellent way to influence the attitude of those whom he lead through his unique stamina to work hard without showing any signs of fatigue, he has been blessed with a very clear head who thinks logically without demonstrating it. He is an ambitious person who is aware of his ability however he also has the tolerance to listen to others. He feels comfortable with men of lesser caliber on his staff members who are either incompetent or hesitant to give him correct analysis and recommendations at the correct time. His personal integrity is beyond any doubt.
History of Lal Masjid
The Lal Masjid was built in 1965 and was named for its red wall and interior. It enjoyed patronage of successive Governments. It is also believed that Lal Masjid also enjoyed patronage of intelligence agencies. The mosque had been housing thousands of male and female students most of whom came from poverty stricken families of NWFP.
Pakistan's president, General Zia-ul-Haq, as well as subsequent ISI officials had very close relationships with Maulana Abdullah, the former head of the mosque, who had a long history of fanning sectarianism. During the Soviet war in Afghanistan (1979-1989) the mosque played a major role in recruiting and training jihadis to fight along with the Afghan mujahideen.
After Abdullah was assassinated in the 1998, his sons Abdul Aaziz Ghazi and Abdul Rashid Ghazi took over the mosque, making it a centre for hard line Sunni Deobandi teaching and openly opposing the government.
Following the Septembe 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, the Pakistani government announced that it would be supporting the United States-led "war on terror". This was strongly opposed by the leadership of the Lal Masjid, which was openly pro-Taliban. Frequent calls for the assassination of President Pervez Musharraf were made at the mosque. In July 2005, the Pakistani authorities attempted to raid the mosque in connection with the investigation into the 7 July 2005 London bombings but police were repulsed by baton-wielding female students.
During 2006 and the first half of 2007, the mosque's students and leadership challenged the authority of the government in the capital by setting up a parallel Taliban-style judicial system, and instigated scores of incidents including kidnappings, arson and murder. In recent statements, Ghazi openly threatened the government with suicide bombings. Some high profile incidents include:
Destruction of public and private property
Taking over a children's library
Terrorizing people and businessmen
A seemingly soft approach taken by the government in dealings with the mosque has led to accusations of leniency on the part of President Pervez Musharraf It is ironical to note that in Pakistan all the happenings are blamed at the President or Army.
Siege
On July 3, 2007, the stand-off between militants barricaded inside the mosque and the government resulted in bloody gun battles in which over twenty people, including students of the mosque, media persons, paramilitary personnel, and a businessman, were reportedly killed and over a hundred others were injured. An FIR was later registered against Ghazi brothers with charges ranging from kidnapping and murder to treason, and terrorism.
To avoid collateral loss, on July 4, 2007 the government offered amnesty to juvenile students if they surrendered. Over 1000 of the radical followers surrendered. Abdul Aziz tried to take advantage of the situation by attempting to slip through a tightening siege while wearing a burqa. His unusually tall physique and large belly alerted a policewoman as she searched fleeing students. Moreover, he refused to pass through the metal detectors that all surrendering students were supposed to pass through. The group of girls surrounding him claimed that their "aunty" was sick and should not be harassed by the policewomen. This increased the policewomen's suspicions and they went through his purse, which was stuffed with lipsticks, a woman's ID card, and a pistol. He was, consequently, arrested by law enforcement agencies. A reward was announced for the rangers who captured Abdul Aziz.
Government and Security officials had continuously asked Maulana Abdul Rashid Ghazi to surrender but after last ditch efforts to secure the release of "hostages" and bring the matter to a peaceful conclusion failed, "Operation Silence" commenced. 164 Elite Commandoes of Pakistan Army Special Services group stormed the Mosque/Madrassah complex from three sides. Police and Paramilitary forces secured the outer parameter of the complex. The gate and walls of Mosque were breached.
At dawn on Tuesday, 10 July, after attempts at negotiation failed, government troops stormed the mosque, and took control of most of the complex during heavy fighting which raged as they went from room to room throughout the day. The Army hoped to finish the intervention as soon as possible. Although the operation had started, the militants could still negotiate with the Pakistani authorities. According to ISPR (inter services public relations) spokesman Maj General Waheed Arshad the militants were fully equipped and put up fierce resistance. At that point, an estimated 70 militants had either been captured or killed.
The Operation
Pakistan Army operation silence was widely watched on the television in Pakistan and by Pakistani Community around the World. The operation looks to have been planned in three phases. Troops involved in the operation are estimated to be an Infantry Brigade with under command an SSG battalion ,a mechanized company , two wings of Rangers and a sizeable force of police:-
· Phase 1 Cordon and Siege. This phase was aimed at breaking the will of the militants to surrender, to provide opportunities to the women children and students to leave the mosque and to enable the government to arrive at a negotiated settlement. In this phase maximum efforts were concentrated to create breaches in the boundary wall of the twin fortress. Heavy cross fire was experienced between the security forces and militants. In this phase the desired objectives were not fully realized. Even after a week long Siege the militants were in good physical and mental state to give strong resistance to the security forces.
· Phase 2- Clearances of Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa. This Phase was launched at 0400 Hours instead of midnight. SSG anti terrorist troops were leading this phase with Elite Commando police troops in support. Army troops either supported the troops from the cordon or followed to take over areas covered by the SSG troops. This phase faced heavy resistance and took about 24 hours instead of three to four hours as initially estimated by the spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad. The SSG troops secured Lal Masjid with in two hours which was lightly defended. The Militants withdrew to the multistoried Masjid Hafsa and started giving tough resistance. The open compound between the Jamia and Masjid provided excellent killing ground to the militants and advance of SSG troops across the open compound was difficult. Army could not use heavy weapons like artillery / gunship helicopters nerve gas due to the fear that a large number of women and children were still in the Mosque. Abdur Rashid Ghazi was killed at about 1600 hours and the resistance of militants was over come after his death. During the next night SSG cleared the massive four storey structure of the Jamia Hafza and faced resistance especially in the basements. SSG suffered 40 causalities out of a total 164 which were reported to have participated in the clearance operation. The causality rate was intense for the SSG. More than100 militants were killed the government declared 72 militants killed.
· In phase 3 the battle field was cleaned and sanitized. This phase was well planned, well coordinated and executed. Massive causalities evacuation was undertaken; records of militants and their tests were carried out. Finger printing was carried out by NADRA and dead bodies were taken to Sehala, a police installation about 20 KM from Lal Masjid and buried in the grave yard in a western grave yard of Islamabad.
Brigadier Javed Iqbal Cheema, of the Interior Ministry, said the body of Mr Ghazi had been found in the basement of the women's school after what was described as intense fighting. Reports said the cleric had been shot twice and failed to respond when called upon to surrender. At that point, commandos fired a final volley of shots at him. Other reports stated that militants refused to allow Mr. Ghazi to surrender and that he was killed in crossfire.
Aftermath
Following the week long siege, the bodies of the deceased militants have been buried in temporary graves, awaiting collection from family members. Hundreds of Abdul Rashid Ghazi's supporters attended his funeral in his Punjabi village, and calls for Holy War were made. Although many Pakistanis are in favor of the suppression of radicalism, authorities fear a violent backlash from the more fundamental section of the population. The police and military were placed on high alert, as the country entered three days of mourning. Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda's second in command, released a message which included the sentence: "Your salvation is only through jihad", thus heightening tensions in the region.
Speaking at a televised address to the nation President Pervez Musharraf said he was determined that extremism and terrorism would be eradicated in Pakistan. "Unfortunately we have been up against our own people... they had strayed from the right path and become susceptible to terrorism."
"What do we as a nation want?" President Musharraf asked. "What kind of Islam do these people represent?"
"In the garb of Islamic teaching they have been training for terrorism... they prepared the madrassa as a fortress for war and housed other terrorists in there.
"I will not allow any madrassa to be used for extremism."
Immediately after the fall of Lal Masjid, Al-Qaeda issued threats to Pakistan and President Musharrafin a video released on an Islamic website.
US Response to the Lal Masjid Operation
The west has welcomed the end of the Lal Masjid rebellion and greeted President Musharraf’s reaffirmed determination to defeat religious militancy. Richard Boucher, the US assistant secretary of state of Central and South Asian affairs, said on Thursday that an elected government in Pakistan would be a better safeguard against terrorism. Mr. Boucher, who was under intense questioning in the House of Representatives over what is perceived as the United States’ unreserved support for the Musharraf administration, said General Musharraf himself agreed that his country should have an elected government. Speaking two days after the main operation against the mosque’s occupation came to an end, the congressmen; both Republican and Democrat demanded a review of American policy towards Pakistan. They expressed doubts about General Musharraf ability to take effective action against terrorism, tolerating the growth in the ranks of al-Qaeda and Taliban followers in Pakistan and criticized his failure to crack down on militants’ training camps. They even accused the Pakistani leader of obstructing democracy. The overall confidence in Gen Musharraf’s ability to lead Pakistan out of the crisis and continue to serve US interests is being viewed by the American congress especially the democrats.
Militants Hit Back in Quick Succession In Swat, DI Khan,Mir Ali, Mada Khel and Islamabad
Attack in Swat and DI Khan.
Suicide bombings in Swat and Dera Ismail Khan districts on Sunday July 15, 2007 killed 45 people — mostly security personnel — and injured nearly 100 others as violence continued in different parts of the NWFP.
Suicide bombers targeted a military convoy in Matta in the Northern Swat district and a police recruitment centre in the southern city of Dera Ismail Khan. Most of those killed were the Army soldiers and policemen.
The scale of the devastation caused by the bombings showed that the sponsors of the attacks were pursuing a path of vengeance of Lal Masjid.
At least 13 security personnel and six civilians, including three minors, were killed and more than 50 injured, when two suicide bombers and an improvised explosive device simultaneously struck three Army vehicles in a convoy in Swat on Sunday morning.
A battalion of the Army in Swat was moving to the Government College Matta for deployment from Kanju via Khwazakhela when it was attacked at Sambat, the entry point to the town.
The suicide bombers left seven vehicles at the head of the convoy that were carrying policemen and FC personnel and struck eighth 65-seater coach boarded by Army men. The second bomber struck at the tail of the convoy targeting another Army truck, while yet another Army truck carrying luggage ran over an IED.
Attack in Islamabad. On Tuesday July 17, 2007 militant leader Baitullah Mahsud declared war against the Government of Pakistan. On the same day a military convoy was targeted at Mir Ali in the North Waziristan in which 5 soldiers were killed.
Fifteen persons, including three women, were killed and more than 50 wounded in a suicide bomb explosion near the stage prepared for the address of the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
According to sources, the suicide bomb blast could be a result of PPP’s support to the Lal Masjid operation. Ms. Benazir Bhutto demanded immediate resignation of the Government which failed to provide security to the people. General Hameed Gul a former ISI Chief termed it as an American conspiracy against Pakistan’s nuclear program through civil war. Richard Boucher said that Washington will provide full support to Pakistan to fight terrorism. He also said that US will finance equipping the Frontier Corps. Naseem Zehra commented that there is a need for national consensus among all the political parties. The Government or the Army alone can not handle this unprecedented security challenge.
July 18, 2007, Attack in North Waziristan
Army troops moving to the border west of Miran Shah were ambushed near Mada Khel. In the exchange of fire 17 personnel of the Army were killed and 12 injured. 5 militants were killed in the skirmish.A skirmish also occurred with the troops of Frontier Corps near Mir Ali in which 5 militants were killed. While commenting on the Geo TV, General Aslam Baig, a former COAS said that Taliban is not an independent entity but are protected by the tribal leadership like Baitullah Mahsud. They fought a war of independence against the Soviets and won. They are again in a state of war against the foreign forces and they will win again. General Aslam Baig estimated that two fresh infantry ddivision are being moved to NWFP. One is being deployed in Swat and another probably in Waziristan.
In Washington, fresh intelligence estimates were presented in which it has been concluded that Al Qaeda has reorganized in the Tribal Area of Pakistan and is poised for fresh attacks on the US.
Governor NWFP sent a delegation to Wana in South Waziristan to renegotiate the September 2006 Peace Accord. Although Washington commented that the peace Accord should be scrapped and Pakistan should go on all out offensive against Taliban for which the US will extend full support.
President Musharraf was quoted by the press to have said that Emergency will not be imposed and election will be held on schedule. He commented that the National Security Council has approved deployment Army in NWFP. The MMA government in NWFP stated that in the NSC meeting the Chief Minister demande Police, Constabulary and Frontier Corps troops and did not demand deployment of Army. Qazi Hussain demanded withdrawal of Army from the NWFP.
PART 2 Policy options
Government Decides to Deploy Additional Forces in NWFP.
On Monday July 15, President Musharraf chaired a high level meeting attended by the prime Minister, Governor NWFP, Interior Minister, Vice Chief of Army Staff and few important staff officers of the president and GHQ. The brief press release mentioned that the Government had prepared a strategic plan to deal with the fall out of Lal Masjid which could not be implemented before the operation on Lal Masjid. It was also revealed that the new strategy will be implemented. It did not give out the details of contingency plan except that Para military forces, police and levies will be strengthened and equipped to deal with the law and order situation efficiently.
Simultaneously the Chief Minister of NWFP chaired a high level Jirga drawn from the elders of Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) of Malakand Division and settled districts bordering FATA and PATA. It was decided that political solution will be found for the unrest in the Province provided Army did not undertake any operation unless called by the provincial government in Aid of Civil Power. MMA an alliance of religious parties is in power in the NWFP.
Chief of Jamath E Islami, Qazi Hussain Ahmed announced that he would take full responsibility for peace in the Malakand Division if the Federal Government avoids taking military action against the militants. It was also emphasized by Governor Ai Ahmad Jan, Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani and leader of the opposition in the Parliment Maulana Fazl e Rahman that the Government should not abrogate peace accord with Taliban which will have dire consequences for the peace in the settled area of NWFP.
The outline of Government response.
Politically there is difference of opinion between the federal government and MMA government in NWFP. The latter does not support military operation in Malakand Division. Legally, the provincial government can not oppose deployment in FATA and Federal government can not take military action in Malakand division unless is requisitioned by the Provincial Government.
Frontier Warfare in the inhospitable terrain of FATA and Malakand Division of PATA are difficult. Extensive deployment results in the dilution of force and exposure of lines of communications to the militants attacks. The doctrine of Frontier Warfare developed by the British Indian Army is based on its historical experience of fighting the tribesmen. The salient of this doctrine if followed by Pakistan Army, it will reduce its casualties and exposure. The British deployed its major military forces in the well protected and well developed cantonments of DI Khan, Bannu and Thall for Waziristan. Wana and Miran Shah were held lightly by the Army. Frontier Corps was deployed in the FATA which was in contact with the tribesmen. Army only took punitive action through expeditions from its basis in the settled districts when tribesmen defaulted on the agreements which they had signed with the British government.
British doctrine may not be applicable in the prevailing environment but study of history of British Army’s operations and its doctrine of Frontier warfare will be beneficial.
Strategic Option
The Federal government has the option to fight the War against Taliban by the Army as a lead agency which it tried for the last 4 years and did not achieve results of strategic consequences. In this policy option, Talibinization spread in the settled districts of NWFP, the Army formations were stretched in the wild expanse of Waziristan where their lines of communication remained highly vulnerable to the suicide attacks. Taliban under the patronage of Sufi Muhammad opened a new front in Malakand Agency, where Army can only be employed if requisitioned by the provincial government of NWFP.
In the overall unfavorable political environment, the Federal Government has a policy option in which the problem should be solved politically. In the overall scenario of war on terror. The policy should have the following cardinal points:-
• The government should seek political solution to the Talibinization which is spreading in the settled districts of Pakistan and will soon threaten neighboring Province of Punjab. The Government of NWFP can and should play a proactive role in coordination with the Federal Government.
• Army ( GHQ or ISI.should not play a leading role in the formulation of strategy to conduct operations in FATA or PATA. The lead agency should be the National Security Council.
• Frontier Corps (FC NWFP), Frontier Constabulary should be reorganized and modernized to undertake their responsibilities.
• Army units should only be deployed in FATA and in Malakand Division at historically established cantonments. FC and Constabulary units should be deployed on the road protection and in established posts and garrison to react quickly to any law and order situation.
• Rapid Deployment Forces should have the ability to move quickly, take punitive action and withdraw to their cantonments.
Washington and Kabul will be opposed to this policy option. In the US there is growing pressure on the government especially from the democrats that Musharraf is either incapable or is unwilling to do more as an important US ally. There is a growing pressure on the Bush Administration to allow the US forces in Afghanistan to take hot pursuit operations in FATA. This will happen any way even if Musharraf deploys two more divisions in FATA and PATA. Pakistan, as an important ally in the War on Terror should be capable to fight the war on its own soil with its own knowledge of the environment and its own political compulsions.
Author of this article Maj Gen (Retd) Sultan Habib. Former IGFC (NWFP), Former Ambassador of Pakistan in North Korea
Email:sultan.habib1@gmail.com
