Ground offensive against militants launched

The military on Monday launched a ground offensive against militants in North Waziristan after evacuation of civilian population, with ongoing Zarb-e-Azb entering its critical stage. According to a statement issued by ISPR, a ground operation commenced in and around Miranshah early morning Monday with an integrated fire of artillery, tanks and other heavy weapons being carried out on terrorists' concentrations in Mirali and other areas.
It stated that 15 terrorists have been killed in a ground offensive so far while three soldiers were injured in an exchange of fire. The statement stated that infantry troops and special service group have started conducting a house-to-house search of Miranshah town while an effective cordon is in place in other areas housing terrorists.
The military claimed that the troops have recovered underground tunnels and IED preparation factories inside the so far cleared area. It further claimed that since the start of operation Zarb-e-Azb on June 15, some 376 terrorists have been eliminated while 19 have surrendered to the security forces; and 61 terrorist hideouts have been destroyed in the operation during last 15 days. Seventeen soldiers have embraced shahadat in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb, it added.
Earlier, ISPR officials told a media briefing that the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb against militants would be completed in four stages with complete elimination of terrorists in North Waziristan. The officials stated that in the first phase of the operation, the terrorists would be eliminated. In the second phase, the military would establish writ of the government in the tribal agency.
Reconstruction and rehabilitation would be carried out in the third phase and in the fourth phase, the area will be handed over to the civilian authorities - the political administration - which according to analysts is the most important stage. However, they pointed out that it would not be followed by complete withdrawal of the military from North Waziristan. They said the army will continue to monitor and assist civilian authorities as it did after the 2009 Swat military operation.
The duration in which all the four phases will be completed has not yet been identified but the ISPR officials are confident that the military will complete its part as soon as possible within the minimum time-frame. The military is also engaged in the relief activities for the internally displaced persons IDPs of North Waziristan. The ISPR statement stated that 30,000 ration packs - each of 110 kilograms - have been distributed so far among the IDPs at Bannu, D.I. Khan and Tank. It stated that 276 tons of rations have been collected so far at 55 relief donation points established by Pakistan Army in major cities of the country and are being transported to Bannu. And 5,665 patients belonging to North Waziristan have been treated at the field medical hospital established at Khalifa Gul Nawaz hospital Bannu by Army.