An Overview of Swat Operation

By Tariq Rizwan

Like Kashmir, Swat is also considered a paradise on the earth. In early 2007, Swat was literally taken over by Mullana Fazlulla brand of Taliban. The whole Malakand Division fell to the fire brand militant group. Fazlullah, better known as Mulla Radio, was ruthless in dealing with civilians specially the womenfolk. Islamic Shariah was imposed; striping and hanging were started against the violators. Islamic courts were established to hear the cases and own Qazis were declared at District level to provide justice. Pakistan’s constitution was declared as un - Islamic.

Operation “Rah-e-Haq” was launched by Pakistan Army to clear the area from the so called Taliban and restore peace. A short battle was fought between Pakistan Army and the Taliban in late 2007 over control of Swat. Army troops clashed with Taliban for control of valley and launched full-fledged offensive on November 15, 2007. Initially, 3,000 infantry troops were sent to Swat to get rid of the invading Taliban force, massing in the district in a bid to impose their version of Sharia law that included preventing women's education, death penalty for barbers, music shop owners, and thieves, along with an anti Polio-vaccination campaign to prevent the local population from getting vaccinated.

Infantry troops were deployed in the hilly parts of Swat. Taliban reacted with a suicide attack, targeting a paramilitary truck which resulted into death of 17 soldiers and 13 civilians. Pakistan Army mounted a number of operations to oust the militants from their hideouts. Fighting erupted in the hills with Taliban attacking military posts whereas the military attacking Taliban hideouts on mountain side. Military sources reported that up to 130 militant fighters were killed in the attack. However, the very next day about 700 militants overran a military position on a hill in Khwazakhela. Police forces in Matta were completely surrounded by the end of the day. On 3 November, 120 police forces and paramilitary troops in Matta surrendered. Soon the Taliban got control of most of the Swat district and set up their own local 'governors' in Tehsil Kabal, Matta and Khawazkhela. On 12 November, 5,000 more troops were sent into Swat to bolster the local Law Enforcers.

On November 15, militants advanced from Swat, now under their control and moved into the next district to the east, Shangla. District headquarter, Alpuri, fell to the Taliban insurgents without any resistance. As the militants arrived in the town, the police force disappeared without giving any fight to the invaders. Army then turned to give fight to the militants and recapture Shangla. In the ensuing battle, about 100 militants were killed and Taliban started retreating from Alpuri but as a strategy to avoid further casualties and give fight to the troops in the hills. Taliban took up positions on the mountaintops. Troops chased the militants in mountains through ground offensive coupled by artillery fire. Two top commanders were killed and several hilltops were recaptured.  The fighting resulted in the death of 4 troops and 45 militants. Shangla was secured and the battle ended with a peace agreement between Army and Taliban amid criticism from locals and the international community specially US. Fazlullah group soon violated the pact while advancing in other side areas, frightening the government forces.

Pakistan Army started another offensive “Rah-e-Rast” on 16 May 2009 to clear the area from militants once for all. Clashes took place between the two sides in Mingora City. SSG commandos took action against the positioned 300 Taliban militants in deserted buildings. Fighting continued for a week. Amidst heavy-street fighting, large parts of the city were recaptured and Taliban were ousted. DG ISPR claimed the death of about 1,200 Taliban fighters and 90 Army soldiers. Number of families had to leave Swat and became homeless who were later allowed to come back and resettled. Two top aides of Sufi Muhammad, the founder of Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi or TNSM, were arrested in Amandarra on 4 June 2009. Both Muhammad Maulana Alam and Ameer Izzat Khan were claimed to have been killed in a clash when militants attacked the prison transport they were in on June 7.

Again when 300 Taliban surrounded local militia force, Army troops arrived for their rescue. Helicopter Gunships were sent to provide air support to militia fighting in the villages of Shatkas and Ghazi Gai, where the fiercest fighting took place. Pakistani paramilitaries also set up mortar positions on the high ground overlooking the villages. 20 homes of suspects were razed to the ground; towns of Chuprial and Kabal were recaptured. Muslim Khan, spokesman for Fazlullah and four other senior TNSM commanders were captured near Mingora, however, Fazlulla escaped after seriously wounded.

After defeating Taliban and restoring peace in Swat, the estimated as 2.2 million (UN estimates) displaced persons were brought home. Taliban commanders led by Fazlullah crossed over to Afghanistan and peace was restored. Life is flourishing and people are as happy as used to be. Children are going to schools and colleges once again without any fear to produce more Malala Yousafzai. The serene valleys and lofty snowy mountains of Swat have started attracting visitors once again.

The writer is a freelance journalist based in London.