RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: The Pakistan army has begun its ground operation in the Shawal area of North Waziristan agency as part of Zarb-e-Azb, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In a tweet, the Director General ISPR Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has directed to achieve military objectives as soon as possible.
The COAS commended ideal air and ground coordination between the forces for effective action.
Ground Ops in Shawal,Waziristan begins.#COAS directs achievement of mil objectives asp.Commends ideal air&ground force coord for effects
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 20, 2015
The beginning of ground operation in Shawal area follows a series of aerial strikes by the Pakistan military fighter jets to destroy militants’ hideouts in last few days. Several militants were killed in air strikes conducted in various parts of North Waziristan including in Shawal area.
The air strikes as well as the ground offensive are part of Zarb-e-Azb, full-fledged military operation launched in North Waziristan in June last year against militants. The military officials claim that Zarb-e-Azb has entered into final stage.
In last couple of days, the armed forces have intensified the air strikes in the tribal region following the assassination of the Punjab Home Minister Colonel (retd) Shuja Khanzada.
