Islamabad: Pakistan military killed 19 militants in the latest raid in the troubled North Waziristan, as civilians streamed out of the restive region amidst raging conflict between the security forces and the Taliban.
More than 350 militants have been killed so far in the operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb' launched by military on June 15 in the tribal region on the Afghan border.
Maj Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa said that civilians have been evacuated from North Waziristan and announcements are being made to make sure that there are no innocent people left in the area.
In the latest action, Pakistan Air Force jets targeted six hideouts of militants last evening, killing 11 terrorists. “Terrorist's concentrations were targeted early morning today by integrated fire of Artillery, tanks and heavy weapons outside Miranshah, killing seven terrorists,” he said.
Bajwa said Taliban commander of Miranshah, Umer, has been killed by security forces last night on the outskirts of the city.
Also, one prominent al-Qaeda commander was arrested while trying to flee from a surrounded area. He was expert of explosives, IEDs, suicide belts.
Another three terrorists were arrested by security forces while they were trying to cross Indus River near Mianwali. Bajwa said that after the surrender of 19 terrorists so far, more terrorists may lay down arms.
“Effective cordon around terrorist hideouts is in place around all places in North Waziristan,” he said. Military also said that supply and distribution of rations for displaced people is gradually improving.
After initial cash disbursement manually, the process of disbursement through mobile sims has been launched, for which sims are being distributed to families as well.
Since people have also moved their cattle with them, 11 tonnes of cattle fodder was distributed at Bannu, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
Through a special civil-military veterinary set up, 4488 cattle were provided veterinary treatment while 28345 poultry birds were also vaccinated.
