Summary After airstrikes, the forces are now moving into ground areas and clearing militant hideouts.
MIRANSHAH (Web Desk) – Beginning second phase in operation Zarb-e-Azb, Pak Army has lunched ground offensive in Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan Agency, to clear militant hideouts.
According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), ground operation was initiated around 9:30am (0430 GMT) on Monday after complete evacuation of the locals.
At least 15 militants were killed during the action. Infantry troops and spseicl service group are carrying out house-to-house searches.
Troops have recovered underground tunnels and IEDs preparation factories inside the so far cleared area. Three soldiers also got injured in exchange of fire.
Meanwhile, integrated fire of artillery, tanks and other heavy weapons is being carried out on terrorist’s concentrations in Mirali and other areas. Effective cordon is in place at other areas housing terrorists.
ISPR reported that 376 terrorists have been killed while 19 have surrendered to the security forces since start of operation Zarb-e-Azb on 15 June. 61 terrorists Hideouts have been destroyed in the operation during last 15 days.
17 soldiers have embraced martydom in the ongoing operation, ISPR reported.
RELIEF ACTIVITIES
Distribution of relief items for IDPs continues at Bannu, DI Khan and Tank. 30,000 ration packs each of 110 Kilogram have been distributed so far.
276 ton rations have been collected so far at 55 relief donation points established by Pakistan Army in major cities of the country and being transported to Bannu.
5,665 Patients have been treated at the Field Medical Hospital established at Khalifa Gul Nawaz hospital Bannu by Army, the ISPR said.
6,435 cattle have been provided vetnary treatment while 17,659 cattle and 30,545 poultry have also been vaccinated.
