ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed 252 terrorists over the past two months and cleared more areas in the remote mountainous of North Waziristan in the final phase of the major offensive in this tribal region, the military said on Sunday.
Hundreds of troops, backed by fighter jets, are chasing the remaining militants in Shawal Valley where they are now hiding.
During last phase of operation in Shawal, 252 terrorists have been killed reportedly 160 were severely injured. In the last two months, valiantly fighting in Shawal, 8 soldiers of Pakistan Army embraced Shahadat (martyrdom) while 39 are injured, the army spokesman said.
The spokesman said in a statement that major terrorist hubs of Mana, Gurbaz, Lataka, Inzarkas and Magrotai have been cleared of terrorists.
The battle to clear last pocket close to Pak-Afghan border continues. The ongoing operation is being conducted in extremely hostile terrain and harsh weather condition, he said, adding the Shawal heights are fully covered with snow, and visibility is very poor on and inside mountains.
The security forces have cleared all heights over 9000 feet, while the terrorists center destroyed and huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered. Up on most treacherous terrain Army troops have made 150 kilometers of tracks while fighting this war.
Since launch of last phase in February 2016, Army troops have been fighting valiantly and have cleared 640 Square Kilometers of Shawal area, the spokesman said.
Since start of operation ZeA in June 2014, security forces have cleared 4304 Square Kilometers of area in North Wazirastan Agency and restored writ of the Government in all areas specially in remote pockets of FATA.
There was virtually No communication infrastructure in Shawal area once operation was launched In Feb this year.
Return of TDPs is progressing as per plan and in North Wazirastan Agency 37012 families ( 36% of TDPs) have returned to their homes. 94 development projects of various natures have been completed in Phase 1&2 in NWA while 153 projects are underway in Phase-3. Progress of Infrastructure projects of North and South Waziristan was reviewed by the chief yesterday in the light of already approved master plan. NNI