22 militants killed during operations in Datta Khel: ISPR

ISPR says militants were surrounded by troops in a cordon and search operation

At least 22 militants were killed in aerial strikes and a ground operation in North Waziristan Agency in the last 24 hours.

Ten terrorists, including foreigners were killed in air strikes in Datta Khel area on Monday. A large cache of arms and ammunition were also destroyed during the aerial strikes, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement read.

Earlier in the day the ISPR said, “12 militants were killed by security forces in a ground operation in an area 10km south-west of Datta Khel in North Waziristan Agency,” late on Sunday night.

“Militants were surrounded by troops in a cordon and search operation,” the statement added.

Read: Two security personnel, 15 militants killed in North Waziristan

Datta Khel area of the restive tribal region was considered a stronghold of local and foreign militant outfits before June, last year, when the military launched a full-scale offensive.

Earlier this month, Army chief General Raheel Sharif said that battlefield successes in the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan have created the momentum for a decisive push against terrorists in the urban areas.

Read: Finding closure: War against terror in decisive phase, says COAS

“Noteworthy achievements in Operation Zarb-e-Azab have created a space for a decisive surge against terrorists in the urban areas,” the army chief told officers and students of the Command and Staff College in Quetta.