RAWALPINDI: At least 19 more militants were killed while four others including a key Al-Qaeda commander were arrested during the ongoing military operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ in the North Waziristan tribal region, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
The ISPR said that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jet aircrafts destroyed six confirmed militant hideouts on the outskirts of Mir Ali on Friday evening, killing 11 militants.
Likewise, seven more militants were killed when militant concentrations were targeted on Saturday morning by artillery tanks and heavy weapons outside Miranshah in North Waziristan.
The media wing of Pakistan army further said that the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander of Miranshah, Umer was also killed by security forces last night on the outskirts of Miranshah.
The ISPR said that after the surrender of 19 militants there are reports that more militants are ready to lay down their arms.
Meanwhile, one prominent Al-Qaeda commander was arrested while trying to flee from surrounded area in North Waziristan and initial investigations showed him as an explosive, improvised explosive device (IED) and suicide belt expert.
Besides, three other militants were also arrested by security forces while trying to cross Indus River near Mianwali.
An effective cordon is in place around militant hideouts in all places in North Waziristan agency.
The civilian population has been evacuated from North Waziristan and announcements are being made for any stranded tribals who may have stayed back for any reasons, to leave also.
