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May 2014 Waziristan airstrikes

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May 2014 Waziristan airstrikes
Part of the War in North-West Pakistan
Date21–27 May 2014
Location
Result Pakistani victory
Belligerents
 Pakistan Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan
Al Qaeda
Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan
Turkistan Islamic Party
Commanders and leaders
Pakistan Nawaz Sharif Hakimullah Mehsud
Units involved

 Pakistan Air Force
 Pakistan Army

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

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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

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May 21

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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

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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

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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

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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

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  1. ^ a b c "Waziristan residents deplore airstrikes".
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Pakistani airstrike in Waziristan kills 4".
  3. ^ a b c d e "Pakistani air strike kills dozens".
  4. ^ a b "Pakistan airstrikes militants".
  5. ^ "Violent incidents in Pakistan,2014".
  6. ^ a b "Waziristan tribal gathering urges Pakistan to stop airstrikes".