Military officials tell PM 232 terrorists of various terror groups have been killed while 20 militant sanctuaries destroyed in airstrikes so far
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, during his first ever visit to the Headquarters of the Peshawar Corps of Pakistan Army, assured the military of full financial support to ensure success in the ongoing military operation against militants in North Waziristan tribal region.
The prime minister, who was also accompanied by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, was given a briefing by senior commanders of the Pakistan Army on the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation.
They were apprised about the significance of Zarb-e-Azb and told that the operation was imperative because of the threat of large scale attacks across the country by the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
During the briefing, it was also confirmed that 232 terrorists of various terror groups were killed while 20 militant sanctuaries were destroyed, along with their communication networks so far.
PM Nawaz and General Sharif were also told that forces had encircled the TTP strongholds in Mirali and Miramshah areas of North Waziristan to ensure that no terrorist fled the area.
“Militants’ supply line has also been cut,” the briefing further said.
They were also informed that the presence of East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and International Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) posed serious security threats not only to Pakistan but also to the region. These networks also had full foreign financial and material support, it was said.
Senior commanders said during the briefing that in the first phase, spanning over six weeks, major targets would be achieved by security forces.
Nawaz said that he had spoken to Afghan President Hamid Karzai to ensure that Afghan soil may not be used against Pakistan by fleeing terrorists.
