PESHAWAR, Pakistan: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif visited Corps Headquarters Peshawar on Saturday and reviewed the progress of ongoing military operations Zarb-e-Azb and Khyber-1.
The army chief was briefed on next phases of operations, according to the Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Asim Saleem Bajwa.
The DG ISPR said that the army chief expressed his complete satisfaction on the progress of operations and achievements made so far.
#ZarbeAzb:#COAS spent the day at Corps HQ Psr.Reviewed progress of ops.Impressive work;400 plus terrorists surrender in Khyber so far-1/2
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) December 6, 2014
#ZarbeAzb:In NWA,Targeting ahead of Datta Khel effective.Using own technology,watched terrorists run clearly.strikes cause huge damage-2/2
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) December 6, 2014
A full-fledged military operation Zarb-e-Azb is being conducted in the volatile North Waziristan tribal region by the Pakistan’s army against various outlawed militant groups since June 15.
More than 1,200 militants including foreigners and important commanders have been killed so far while over 360 injured during the operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Separately, the operation Khyber-1 was launched in October in Bara and Tirah Valley of Khyber agency against Lashkar-e-Islam (LI), a banned militant organization active in and around the tribal region and is currently headed by Mangal Bagh.
The COAS was informed during briefing at the Corps Headquarters Peshawar that so far over 400 terrorists have surrendered in Khyber agency.
The army chief appreciated the spirit and commitment of troops in sustaining the operations. He lauded the sacrifices rendered by officers and men in operations who have written new chapters of valour and commitments.
In addition, the COAS was also briefed on the return strategy for the Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) of North Waziristan agency including the rehabilitation of affected areas.
General Raheel Sharif said that early return of TDPs is our top priority and directed all concerned to start preparation for the return phase.