Pakistan Army would never allow terrorists to return: COAS

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has said that the Pakistan Army would never allow terrorists to return, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“We won’t allow terrorists to return ever,” the army chief said during his visit to frontline troops amidst an on-going military operation in Khyber agency on Wednesday.

The ISPR said that during his visit, the COAS reviewed phenomenal progress so far made in eliminating terrorists, and was given a briefing.

The COAS was informed that 263 hard-core terrorists have been killed after being surrounded in Tirah Valley of the Khyber agency from all sides. He was informed that Musatil Pass leading to Afghanistan is in full control of the Pakistan Army.

The army chief was told that terrorists’ strongholds have been reduced and fighting is now in progress in last few pockets close to the Afghan border. He was told that no escape is being allowed to terrorists.

In the briefing, it was told that the area is infested with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) mostly foreign made while about 400 IEDs were neutralized by the Special Engineers Unit.

It was told that 35 soldiers have embraced Shahadat since the start of operation Khyber-Two.

On the occasion, General Raheel Sharif paid rich tributes to supreme sacrifice of soldiers and appreciated successes so far made.

“The COAS directed troops to continue momentum of operation, taking it to the logical conclusion till we fully eliminate terrorism from across the country and bring ultimate peace,” the ISPR said.

The army chief said that the nation highly values sacrifices and stands united with armed forces. He appreciated tribal brethren for full support to evict terrorists from their areas.