Military Operations To Remain Suspended During Ramzan

Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 7:34 pm

ISLAMABAD:Interior ministry chief Rehman Malik told a news conference here Saturday that the temporary halt in operations was to allow civilians in the region to observe the religious festival.

“I am suspending military operations in tribal areas in northwest in deference to the holy month of Ramadan,” he said, warning that the army will reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.

Troops backed by helicopter gunships and heavy artillery have for weeks been pounding militant strongholds in the northwest, killing more than 560 people in recent weeks, Malik said, giving the new toll.

Military spokesman, however, denied any such move according to a private television channel.