Nine terrorists killed in air, ground raids in Khyber Agency: ISPR
Six militant hideouts were also destroyed during the operations.
RAWALPINDI (Web Desk) – Nine terrorists have been killed in fresh air and ground operations in the Khyber tribal region on Saturday morning, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.
Six militant hideouts and an ammo depot inside a cave were also destroyed during the raids.
Earlier on Thursday, Pak Army killed at least 11 militants in air strikes in a restive tribal region near the Afghan border as part of an ongoing offensive.
The army offensive took place in the mountainous terrain of Babar Kachkol, Naray Nao and Tor Sapar areas of Khyber.
Khyber is one of the seven semi-autonomous tribal districts where the military has been fighting Taliban and Al-Qaeda linked militants for over a decade.
On Friday, General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited front line troops busy in operations along Pak-Afghan Border in Khyber Agency.
COAS was given detailed briefing by Operational commander on Progress of Operations and gains consolidated so far.
Expressing satisfaction over the progress of operation, the Army Chief appreciated the highest state of morale and professionalism shown in fighting terrorists of various organisations hiding in the most rugged terrain. Clearance of mountain passes in Rajgal despite this being the most treacherous terrain where terrorists were entrenched on the high mountain passes to stay both sides of the border, is a manifestation of Pakistan’s commitment to check cross border movement and will go a long way in helping our initiative of Border Management.
He directed enhanced vigilance and pro-active approach to stop any type of movement of terrorists.
While talking to troops, General Raheel Sharif said that the nation and valiant Army had paid a huge price to fight terrorism.
"We will commit all efforts to clear all remote pockets and sleeper cells of terrorists till their total elimination from anywhere in the country," COAS said.
Pakistan has been battling a homegrown insurgency since 2004, following the US-led invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan in 2001 and the subsequent spillover of militants into its territory.
The army launched the "Zarb-e-Azb" operation in June 2014 in a bid to wipe out militant bases in North Waziristan tribal area and so bring an end to the bloody insurgency that has cost thousands of civilian lives.
