RAWALPINDI: The ground operation has been launched in and around Miranshah area of the North Waziristan tribal region on early Monday morning after the evacuation of civil population from the area.
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that at least 15 militants have been killed in ground offensive so far while three soldiers also sustained injuries in an exchange of fire with the militants.
Troops have recovered underground tunnels and the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) preparation factories inside the so far cleared area.
The ISPR said that house to house search of Miranshah town is being carried out by infantry troops and the special service group.
Meanwhile, integrated fire of artillery, tanks and other heavy weapons is being carried out on militant’s concentrations in Mirali and other areas. The effective cordon is in place at other areas housing militants.
376 militants killed so far, 19 surrendered
Since the start of military operation Zarb-e-Azb on June 15, at least 376 militants have been killed while 19 have surrendered to the security forces.
The ISPR said that 61 militant hideouts have also been destroyed in the operation during last 15 days.
It said that 17 soldiers have embraced shahadat in the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb.