Zarb-e-Azb, a comprehensive operation in North Waziristan

ISLAMABAD/WAZIRISTAN: Pakistan army has officially launched a comprehensive operation in North Waziristan to eliminate Taliban and foreign militants. ISPR press release said more than 100 militants were killed.

The operation, named as Zar-e-Azb, has been launched a week after a brazen insurgent attack on the country’s busiest airport in Karachi. Over 80 people were killed as Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets bombed hideouts of suspected militants in Dattakhel area of North Waziristan early on Sunday.

“DG ISPR has said that on the directions of the Government, Armed forces of Pakistan have launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists who are hiding in sanctuaries in North Waziristan Agency. The operation has been named Zarb-e-Azb,” said ISPR press release.

#Zarb-e-Azb:Surrender points established for those who chose to quit violence & give up arms.Aerial surveillance by own platforms continues

#Zarb-e-Azb:Surrender points established for those who chose to quit violence & give up arms.Aerial surveillance by own platforms continues

— Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) June 15, 2014

An Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release confirmed that terrorists linked to planning the attack on Karachi airport were present in the hideouts that were bombed. The mastermind behind the attack – Abu Abdur Rehman Almani – was among the dead. Meanwhile thousands of local people fled North Waziristan and many other have to flee yet. Local people face transport shortage and high fares to leave the area and protect themselves.

“Necessary Logistics and administrative arrangements for IDPs have been made by Political Administration and Disaster Management Agency. Registration points and IDP camps have been made at, as being announced by Civil Administration.” said the ISPR press release.

Information Minister Pervez Rashid has appealed to all political parties to stand by the army during the operation. He went on to add that the militants will either drop their weapons or face defeat.

Meanwhile Aerial surveillance of the area is being carried out by own aerial surveillance platforms. Within the Agency, troops have moved and cordoned off all terrorists bases, including in the town of Mirali and Miranshah.

Afghan security forces have also been requested to seal the border on their side to facilitate elimination of terrorists who attempt to escape across the border. They have also been requested to initiate immediate measures to eliminate TTP terrorists and their sanctuaries in Kunar, Nuristan and other areas of Afghanistan.

Zarb-e-Azb operation gets ‘thumbs up’ on social media and people spoke loud to make it more sharp and cutting.

Operation #ZarbeAzab : We should all stand united behind our Pak Fauj. Pakistan Zindabad. Dehshatgardi Murdabad!

— Maria Memon (@Maria_Memon) June 15, 2014

https://twitter.com/asadmunir38/statuses/478183464274235392

Now is the time for national & institutional unity. We will discuss the differences later. Total support to our armed forces.

— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) June 15, 2014

Saleem Safi tells http://t.co/OELgUUNy11 that the decision to launch operation has bn taken at the wrong time as several others crises open

— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) June 15, 2014