ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif today directed to commence forthwith the last phase of Operation in North Waziristan (NW), which aimed at clearing the remnants of terrorists from their hideouts in deeply forested ravines, isolated them and indiscriminately severed their links with their abettors anywhere across the country.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif gave these directions, while having briefing on the on-going operation Zarb-e-Azb during his visit to Shawal area of North Waziristan.

During briefing it was apprised that the deeply forested ravines of Shawal Valley and area ahead of Data Khel which had been frequent infiltration routes of terrorists between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was now the last bastion of terrorists left in North Waziristan.

COAS was briefed by Operation commander about operational gains so far and the impending operations.

Raheel Sharif expressed complete satisfaction over the gains and effects of operations and acknowledged the resolve of troops to fully eliminate terrorists from their left over sanctuary. While addressing troops, participating in the operation, General Raheel Sharif commended their high state of morale and paid tributes to their resilience and sacrifice.

The COAS said that sacrifices of soldiers would not go waste adding that "We will achieve the ultimate goal of a terror free Pakistan".

Earlier, on arrival COAS was received by Lieutenant General Hidayat Ur Rehman, Commander 11 Corps Peshawar.