ISLAMABAD: Director General ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa said 80 percent of Miramshah was cleared by Army in operation Zarb-e-Azb in which ovet 400 militants were killed.
In a press briefing, Bajwa said that 447 terrorists have been killed so far whereas 88 hideouts have been destroyed. He also said that 26 soldiers have lost their lives. However, this information could not be independently verified as journalists do not have access to most parts of the restive agency.
The major general said that a ground operation in Mir Ali has started and that militant commander Matiullah was among those who were killed. Terrorists put up resistance when forces penetrated the area, however, 11 surrendered.
The DG ISPR also added that 80 per cent of Miramshah has been cleared by the security forces.
Bajwa also said, “North Waziristan had become a hub of terrorism where several terrorist networks were based and had been operating for a long time.”
“Terrorists used to brainwash suicide bombers while recruiting them in North Waziristan.”
Bajwa was accompanied by the federal Minister for State and Frontier Regions Abdul Qadir Baloch.
Baloch said the government had been sincere in holding talks with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) till the very last moment but it was the Taliban who carried out terrorists attacks and violated the ceasefire.
He also brushed aside suggestions that the military was running affairs, and said all matters including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are under civilian control.
He added that the military is only assisting the civilian administration in Bannu.