DG ISPR gives exclusive briefing on Operation Zarb-e-Azb
DG ISPR appeals to nation to remain alert and help the army and govt.
ISLAMABAD:
In an exclusive briefing to Express News on the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan, Director General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Asim Bajwa said that Miramshah is now completely clear of militants, and forces are now moving towards Boya and Degan.
The military spokesperson also appealed to Afghanistan to take action against or hand over to militants who are seeking refuge in Kunar and Nooristan, saying they would "hunt them down wherever they go."
Explaining the progress of the operation using a 3D model in the Express News studio, Bajwa said that Miramshah, including surrounding villages, Maachis and Darapakhel, were the first to be cleared after announcing the operation on June 15.
The clearance began after vacating residents from the area on June 29, he said adding that while the area is now completely clear of militants, work on defusing and detonating IEDs and explosives discovered during the ground operation is under way.
"The forces are now moving towards Boya and Degan," he said.
The DG ISPR further said that a ground operation in Mirali started yesterday, whereas air strikes were taking place from before. Regarding the ground operation, he said six militants had been killed last night. However, the army is facing resistance from the militants in this area.
Answering a question in regard to the difference in physical conditions of Mirali in comparison to Miramshah, Bajwa said that the terrain of the whole area is difficult for the army as it is mountainous and has ravines, while militant hideouts have tunnels and sniper posts.
The DG ISPR also clarified that along with air strikes, ground operation also needs to be conducted to gain back control of areas.
While affirming that security has been reinforced along the border with Afghanistan making it difficult for militants to escape, he said that the army has launched protests and has asked the Afghan government to cooperate with them.
Furthermore, during the briefing, he appealed to Afghanistan to take action against or hand over to militants who fled the border during and before the operation and are seeking refuge in Kunar and Nooristan to the Pakistan Army.
"We will hunt them down wherever they go," said DG ISPR.
He added that the terrorists were spread in the whole country; however, the army is eliminating them from their epicenter and are destroying their main communication centre. He added that the provincial governments and interior ministry have to work with them as well.
Bajwa said that there has been police mobilistaion in cities according to an integrated security mechanism made in which forces will assist the civil government. He further said that intelligence operations are under way and militants have been arrested. However, he refused to disclose an exact number.
"I appeal to the country not to lower their guard, we must remain alert," he said. "Call 1135 to report any suspicious activity and help us and the government," he appealed to the nation.
In an exclusive briefing to Express News on the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan, Director General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Asim Bajwa said that Miramshah is now completely clear of militants, and forces are now moving towards Boya and Degan.
The military spokesperson also appealed to Afghanistan to take action against or hand over to militants who are seeking refuge in Kunar and Nooristan, saying they would "hunt them down wherever they go."
Explaining the progress of the operation using a 3D model in the Express News studio, Bajwa said that Miramshah, including surrounding villages, Maachis and Darapakhel, were the first to be cleared after announcing the operation on June 15.
The clearance began after vacating residents from the area on June 29, he said adding that while the area is now completely clear of militants, work on defusing and detonating IEDs and explosives discovered during the ground operation is under way.
"The forces are now moving towards Boya and Degan," he said.
The DG ISPR further said that a ground operation in Mirali started yesterday, whereas air strikes were taking place from before. Regarding the ground operation, he said six militants had been killed last night. However, the army is facing resistance from the militants in this area.
Answering a question in regard to the difference in physical conditions of Mirali in comparison to Miramshah, Bajwa said that the terrain of the whole area is difficult for the army as it is mountainous and has ravines, while militant hideouts have tunnels and sniper posts.
The DG ISPR also clarified that along with air strikes, ground operation also needs to be conducted to gain back control of areas.
While affirming that security has been reinforced along the border with Afghanistan making it difficult for militants to escape, he said that the army has launched protests and has asked the Afghan government to cooperate with them.
Furthermore, during the briefing, he appealed to Afghanistan to take action against or hand over to militants who fled the border during and before the operation and are seeking refuge in Kunar and Nooristan to the Pakistan Army.
"We will hunt them down wherever they go," said DG ISPR.
He added that the terrorists were spread in the whole country; however, the army is eliminating them from their epicenter and are destroying their main communication centre. He added that the provincial governments and interior ministry have to work with them as well.
Bajwa said that there has been police mobilistaion in cities according to an integrated security mechanism made in which forces will assist the civil government. He further said that intelligence operations are under way and militants have been arrested. However, he refused to disclose an exact number.
"I appeal to the country not to lower their guard, we must remain alert," he said. "Call 1135 to report any suspicious activity and help us and the government," he appealed to the nation.