May 2014 Waziristan airstrikes
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| May 2014 Waziristan airstrikes | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the War in North-West Pakistan | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 Pakistan |
 Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan  Al Qaeda Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan  Turkistan Islamic Party | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
Nawaz Sharif |
Hakimullah Mehsud | ||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
|
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Al Qaeda Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan Turkistan Islamic Party | |||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| None |
64-72 killed 33+ wounded | ||||||
|
30+ civilians killed Thousands of civilians displaced | |||||||
May 2014 Waziristan strikes refers to an airstrike campaign by Pakistan against Pakistani Taliban and foreign insurgents presence in the tribal area of Waziristan.
Background[edit]
North Waziristan was a hotspot for terrorist activities as it had a substantial insurgent presence, especially foreign fighters who were involved in multiple attacks against Pakistan. American and Chinese pressure was high on Pakistani government to curb these insurgents.[1][2][3] On May 19, 2014, one such incident claimed the lives of 9 Pakistani soldiers and provoked the airstrikes.[2]
Strikes[edit]
May 21[edit]
On May 21, 2014, Pakistani military launched an airstrike campaign against insurgents in Waziristan region killing over 60 militants[3][4] and wounding over 30.[4][5] According to Pakistani military many foreign fighters including Uyghur, Chechens, Uzbeks and Arabs [1][2] were killed. Multiple commanders were killed in the airstrikes.[3] The stroke targeted Mir Ali and Miranshah, near the Afghan border.[3] Large weapons and ammunition caches were destroyed in the airstrikes.[3] There was a huge backlash by the locals who alleged that Pakistan is committing atrocities against its own citizens in the name of fighting terrorism while Pakistani establishment itself shelters terrorists.[1] At least 30 civilians were also killed in the airstrikes.[6]
May 24[edit]
On May 24, a helicopter raid on a Taliban outpost killed 4 and wounded 3.[2] Fifteen civilians were also killed in the airstrikes.[2]
The airstrikes had a massive impact on the area with thousands fleeing the dire situation.[2] Furthermore, claims arose of the destruction of 500 homes in the aerial campaign.[2]
Ceasefire[edit]
A curfew was imposed on the region.[2] Thousands fled from the region following the airstrikes.[2] The aerial campaign ended on May 27 after the protests from the locals.[6]
Aftermath[edit]
There was increase in anti-government sentiment in the area especially due to heavy civilian casualties. There was a surge is terror activities in FATA targeting military installations.
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Waziristan residents deplore airstrikes".
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Pakistani airstrike in Waziristan kills 4".
- ^ a b c d e "Pakistani air strike kills dozens".
- ^ a b "Pakistan airstrikes militants".
- ^ "Violent incidents in Pakistan,2014".
- ^ a b "Waziristan tribal gathering urges Pakistan to stop airstrikes".