Pakistan forces kill 2,000 militants in operation "Zarb-e-Azb" in North Waziristan: army

Pakistani security forces have killed about 2,000 terrorists since a major offensive launched in North Waziristan tribal region in June, the military said on Friday.

The army spokesman, Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa, said that a total of 200 soldiers have also been killed and 800 injured in the operation codenamed "Zarb-e-Azb."

Bajwa was speaking at a think-tank of Royal United Services Institute in London, Radio Pakistan reported. He is accompanying the Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif, on a three-day official visit to Britain.

The operation was launched after the rare peace talks with the Taliban collapsed and they increased attacks on sensitive installations and security forces.

The spokesman said that effective military operations in North Waziristan and Bajaur tribal region are underway to purge the areas of terrorists.

General Bajwa said the army chief has clearly directed to carry out the operation against terrorists without any discrimination.

He said the United Nations has acknowledged the achievements of Pakistan Army against terrorists in the operation "Zarb-e-Azb."

Meanwhile, the army chief has said the operation in North Waziristan is making good progress and that there are no favorites and all terrorists of any kind being hit.

General Raheel Sharif said the recently launched anti-terrorism "National Action Plan" is comprehensive to address extremism and terrorism being implemented, exclusively in collaboration with the government.

The parliament approved the plan after last month's Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar that killed 140 children and 10 staff members.

"The world needs to understand our environment. Our cooperation with the United Kingdom in security and social sectors is growing, " General Raheel said. Endi