Marking the 16th Anniversary of Operation Rah-e-Rast: Pakistan Army’s Decisive Victory in Swat



Today marks the 16th anniversary of Operation Rah-e-Rast, a landmark military offensive launched by the Pakistan Army in May 2009 to reclaim the Swat Valley from Taliban militants. This operation was a critical part of the broader Operation Black Thunderstorm, aimed at restoring government control over the insurgency-plagued regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.


The Swat Valley had become a stronghold for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and allied groups like Al-Qaeda’s Lashkar-e-Islam, who imposed harsh militant rule and challenged the writ of the state. Following a failed peace agreement in early 2009, the Pakistani military initiated Operation Rah-e-Rast to decisively flush out militants and restore peace to the area.


Over the course of three intense months, the Pakistan Army, supported by Frontier Corps and local tribal militias, conducted a comprehensive campaign involving infantry, airborne forces, and heavy artillery. The operation successfully dismantled the militant command structure, destroyed training camps, and recaptured key territories including Mangora, the largest town in Swat.


The offensive came at a heavy cost, with around 2 million civilians displaced during the fighting, many seeking refuge in camps and with relatives. Despite the hardships, the operation marked a turning point in Pakistan’s fight against extremism. By late June 2009, the military declared victory, with major militant leaders fleeing to Afghanistan and the region beginning a slow process of rehabilitation.


Operation Rah-e-Rast is widely regarded as a successful example of Pakistan’s resolve to combat terrorism and restore state authority in volatile regions. The sacrifices of the armed forces and civilians alike are remembered as a testament to the country’s commitment to peace and stability.


As Pakistan commemorates this anniversary, the legacy of Operation Rah-e-Rast continues to inspire ongoing efforts to secure the nation from militant threats and promote lasting peace in the region.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LTTE’s Use of Child Soldiers: A Grave Violation of Human Rights

Image
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) stand condemned not only for their violent insurgency but also for their ruthless exploitation of children as soldiers during Sri Lanka’s civil war.  While the conflict officially ended in 2009, the scars left by the LTTE’s forced recruitment of thousands of children remain a painful reminder of their terror tactics. During the war, the LTTE systematically abducted and conscripted children-some as young as 11 or 12-forcing them into brutal military training and deploying them on front lines.  Human Rights Watch reported that children were often taken from their homes at night or seized while going to school, with families threatened or beaten if they resisted.  Once recruited, these children faced harsh discipline, exposure to violence, and were denied contact with their families. UNICEF documented thousands of such cases, with estimates suggesting the actual numbers were even higher due to underreporting. The LTTE’s use of chil...
Read more

Former UK Cabin Crew Member Arrested in Sri Lanka with £1.15 Million Cannabis Haul

Image
Sri Lankan authorities have detained Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old former air stewardess from South London, at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo on charges of attempting to smuggle 46 kilograms of cannabis into the country. The drugs, valued at approximately £1.15 million, were found packed in vacuum-sealed bags inside two large suitcases after Lee arrived on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand. Officials from the Customs Narcotics Control Unit described the seizure as the largest amount of Kush cannabis ever discovered at the airport. Kush is a potent strain often mixed with synthetic substances and is believed to be destined for high-end buyers within Sri Lanka. Lee, who previously worked for TUI Group and has recently been training as a beautician, remains in custody while investigations continue. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is providing consular support to Lee and is in contact with her family and Sri Lankan authorities. Friends of Le...
Read more

From Buenos Aires to the Vatican: Pope Francis

Image
Author, Miyuru Rasoj Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013. As the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to assume the papacy, he has brought a distinctive voice to the global stage—one rooted in humility, mercy, and a deep concern for the poor and marginalized. Early Life and Path to Priesthood Francis was born to Italian immigrant parents in a working-class neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Growing up, he developed a strong faith and a deep compassion for those in need. In 1958, at the age of 21, he entered the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. The Jesuits, known for their educational, missionary, and charitable work, left a lasting impact on him. Their emphasis on service, social justice, and intellectual pursuit shaped his worldview. After being ordained a priest in 1969, he went on to hold several leadership roles in the Jesuit community ...
Read more