ISLAMABAD - At least 23 terrorists have been killed and several hideouts destroyed in jet strikes in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan Agency on Thursday.
According to ISPR, during ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb, 23 terrorists were killed during the jet strikes in area of Ismail Khel, Zerom and Datta Khel. More than 1,000 terrorists have been killed so far and 80 percent of area has been cleared.
Local sources said that death toll could be higher than the estimated as several militants were supposed to be buried under the debris of destroyed hideouts.
However, claims about the death toll of terrorists could not be independently verified as journalists have limited access to the restive tribal agency.
Military operation Zarb-i-Azb was launched by the Pakistan Army on June 15 following a brazen militant attack on Karachi's international airport and failure of peace talks between the government and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan negotiators.
More than a million people have fled the offensive in NWA, which is aimed at wiping out longstanding militant strongholds in the area, which borders Afghanistan.
ARMY TRAINING GUARANTEE TO WIN WAR: GEN RAHEEL
Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Thursday said that training in peace time is the only guarantor for success during war as he lauded all the ranks of Army for their unflinching resolve in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Gen Sharif was addressing the concluding ceremony of Inter Regimental Centre 'Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System' (PACES) Championship held at Junior Leaders Academy Shinkiari.
PACES has been introduced to further enhance physical fitness standards in the Army to successfully face challenging environment of the future battlefield. It relies on modern techniques and focuses on individuals rather than group based development. The COAS appreciated the phenomenal performance and competitive spirit and the efforts of both trainers and trainees in achieving these standards. Emphasizing on the need for physical fitness for a soldier.
Later, the COAS gave away trophies to winner and runner-up teams and medals for best individual performances. Individual medals were won by Sepoy Gulfam, Sepoy Muhammad Zubair, Sepoy Naveed Ashraf and Sepoy Babar Ali.