RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Monday directed to undertake large scale combing operations immediately to seek out terrorists, their sleeper cells and facilitators in areas other than Federal Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) and enhance reach of the law enforcement agencies (LEAs).  Â
In a press release, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the COAS visited Shawal Valley of North Waziristan on Monday and reviewed progress of last phase of operation and spent whole day with troops busy in eliminating terrorists from their last bastion, close to Pak-Afghan Border.
The COAS was briefed in detail by formation commander about operational gains so far. He was apprised that since start of last phase in February 2016, in treacherous terrain of Shawal, more than 800 sq KM of area has been secured inflicting heavy casualties on terrorists.
Lauding the successful completion of Shawal Operation, the COAS acknowledged exceptional achievements, courage, determination and sacrifices of troops in achieving the objectives.
However, he emphasised on consolidating the gains and resettle temporarily displaced persons (TDPs) back in their areas to the best of our abilities.
Talking of breaking the nexus between terrorists and their facilitators sitting outside FATA, the COAS directed to undertake large scale combing operations immediately to seek out terrorists, their sleeper cells and facilitators in areas other than FATA and enhance reach of the LEAs.
Speaking to officers and men while standing in Shawal Valley, the COAS said that standing shoulder to shoulder with us, the entire Nation highly values the sacrifices being rendered in this fight against terrorism.
