The terrorists are using compounds in the midst of densely populated localities to create hurdles in the way of timely retaliation of security forces, which endangers the lives of the civilians in large numbers. The ISPR spokesman said on Saturday that there were reports of collateral damage in the adjacent area of Aurakzai Agency on December 25, in a target strike at a compound in which eight terrorists were killed during the ongoing military operation Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan.

"Military authorities have deeply regretted the loss of civilian lives as well and are in touch with the relatives of those who got martyred in the incident for providing compensation to the affected families", he said. He further said that in the last 24 hours Pakistani army has arrested many suspects and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition during a search/clearance operation in Jani Khel, in village Bangal Khel, Ladha, Pungai and Wuchawam near Pash Ziarat.

Sharing the details of the relief activities, he said that about 27,606 cash cards have been issued to the displaced families of South Waziristan so far. Meanwhile, during the Operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat and Malakand security forces also carried out search and clearance operation at Mingora, Derai, Amlukdarra and Amandara and arrested 16 terrorists.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2009