COAS Gen. Kayani pays tributes to Mohmand operation martyrs
14 July, 2011
RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Wednesday paid tribute to officers and soldiers who laid down their lives while fighting against terrorists in Mohmand Agency. He was addressing the troops at Wali Dad Top, near the Pak-Afghan border during his visit to Mohmand Agency, says an ISPR press release. The COAS attributed the success of the operation to the outstanding combat skills and high morale of the armed forces and Frontier Corps (FC). He also praised the joint operations of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for the clearance of the Suran sector. General Kayani also met the tribal elders of Mohmand Agency and thanked them for their wholehearted support to the military operations. He emphasised the need for the tribes to take full responsibility and effective control for ensuring sustainable peace in their area. He directed the military and civil authorities to extend all possible support to the returning internally displaced persons (IDPs). Malik Subedar Safi, the representative of local tribal elders, thanked the army chief and acknowledged the sacrifices of the army in flushing out the militants. The elders appreciated the efforts of the political agent in restoring the old system of tribal administration as per their riwaj (traditions). The COAS was informed that over 1,500 militants have surrendered to the political agent and are being dealt in accordance with the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR). He was further told that the troops have destroyed seven factories of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the area. During the Mohmand operation, 69 officers and soldiers were martyred and 231 injured, including 41 critical injuries. General Kayani was accompanied by Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Asif Yasin Malik and Inspector General FC Major General Nadir Zeb. End.
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