May 2014 Waziristan airstrikes
{{More citations needed|date=May 2024}}
{{infobox military conflict
| conflict = May 2014 Waziristan airstrikes
| partof = the War in North-West Pakistan
| image =
| caption =
| date = 21–27 May 2014
| place = Waziristan
| coordinates =
| map_type =
| latitude =
| longitude =
| map_size =
| map_caption =
| map_label =
| territory =
| result = Pakistani victory
| status =
| combatant1 = {{flag|Pakistan}}
| combatant2 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of Taliban.svg}} Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan
{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Al Qaeda
{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan
{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkistan Islamic Party.svg}} Turkistan Islamic Party
| commander1 = {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Nawaz Sharif
| commander2 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of Taliban.svg}} Hakimullah Mehsud
| units1 = {{air force|Pakistan}}
{{army|Pakistan}}
| units2 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of Taliban.svg}} Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan
{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Al Qaeda
{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan
{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkistan Islamic Party.svg}} Turkistan Islamic Party
| units3 =
| strength1 =
| strength2 =
| strength3 =
| casualties1 = None
| casualties2 = 64–72 killed
33+ wounded
| casualties3 = 30+ civilians killed
Thousands of civilians displaced
| notes =
}}
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
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. On May 19, 2014, one such incident claimed the lives of 9 Pakistani soldiers and provoked the airstrikes.
Strikes
=May 21=
On May 21, 2014, Pakistani military launched an airstrike campaign against insurgents in Waziristan region killing over 60 militants{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-air-strike-kills-dozens/1919025.html|title=Pakistani air strike kills dozens}} and wounding over 30.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/afghanistan-pakistan/la-fg-pakistan-airstrikes-militants-20140521-story.html|title=Pakistan airstrikes militants}}{{cite web|url=https://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/pakistan/database/majorincidents2014.htm|title=Violent incidents in Pakistan,2014}} According to Pakistani military many foreign fighters including Uyghur, Chechens, Uzbeks and Arabs were killed. Multiple commanders were killed in the airstrikes. The stroke targeted Mir Ali and Miranshah, near the Afghan border. Large weapons and ammunition caches were destroyed in the airstrikes. 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.{{cite news|url=https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/residents-deplore-airstrikes/25401971.html|title=Waziristan residents deplore airstrikes}} At least 30 civilians were also killed in the airstrikes.{{cite news|url=https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/waziristan-tribal-gathering/25400562.html|title=Waziristan tribal gathering urges Pakistan to stop airstrikes}}
=May 24=
On May 24, a helicopter raid on a Taliban outpost killed 4 and wounded 3.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1108295/?_gl=1*17ui9rs*_ga*LXh3elRCMGh6MEh0ZDlYMzlsMWtfa3p4bHJrNy12OFpqR2F5cklMd0J0N0JXVzdWY2pKVWZMVDhvLWVVelItLQ..*_ga_C521GRS8DF*MTcxNTkxODI3NC4xNy4xLjE3MTU5MTgyNzUuMC4wLjA.|title=Pakistani airstrike in Waziristan kills 4}} Fifteen civilians were also killed in the airstrikes.
The airstrikes had a massive impact on the area with thousands fleeing the dire situation. Furthermore, claims arose of the destruction of 500 homes in the aerial campaign.
Ceasefire
Aftermath
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.