640 sq km area cleared from terrorists in Shawal, 252 militants killed: ISPR

Dunya News

Atleast 37,012 families have been sent back to their homes in North Waziristan.

SHAWAL (Dunya News) – Operation Zarb-e-Azab has entered into its last phase with the security forces being successful in pushing the terrorists near Pak-Afghan border.



According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), atleast 640 square kilometre area has been cleared from terrorists in Shawal whereas their hideouts located at 9000 feet above land have also been destroyed.



ISPR has stated that in the last and extremely difficult phase of Zarb-e-Azb areas of Mana, Latka, Garbaz, Anzar Kas have been evacuated from militants.



However; the operation still continues near the Pak-Afghan border.



Besides this, 150 metre long track has also been formed in difficult terrains.

ISPR has also said that in the last phase of Zarb-e-Azb, atleast 252 terrorists were killed and more than 160 have been wounded whereas eight soldiers were martyred and 39 sustained injuries.



In the context of development and maintenance tasks in the area, ISPR has stated that no communication system was present in Shawal at the time of operation.



It has said that atleast 37,012 families have been sent back to their homes in North Waziristan while 94 developmental projects have been completed whereas work is underway on 153 projects in Phase-3.