Pakistani forces battling militants in Waziristan's "last few pockets"

Pakistani security forces have cleared most of the areas of the militants in North Waziristan tribal region and are now battling in "last few pockets," the country's army chief told the top commanders on Wednesday.

The forces had launched the major operation against the Taliban and other armed groups in June last year and have now taken control of over 90 percent of North Waziristan including major towns of Miranshah and Mir Ali.

The army says over 2,000 militants have also been killed during the operation in what was thought to be their last stronghold. The militants had been using North Waziristan, which borders Afghanistan, for their training of suicide bombers and planning attacks across the country.

Those Taliban who have survived the military assault have either moved to the inaccessible rugged mountains or crossed to the Afghan side of the border, Pakistani security officials say.

The military commanders met in Rawalpindi and reviewed progress in the operations in North Waziristan and Khyber tribal area and other security issues, the army spokesman said.

The Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif, praised the forces for their success against the militants.

"The COAS (Chief of the Army Staff) said terrorists have been cleared and dislodged from their strongholds in North Wazirastan and Khyber Agency and fight now is moving into last few pockets close to Afghan border," the army statement said.

The forum attended by the Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers and all Formation Commanders, was given comprehensive briefings on security environment and professional issues.

General Raheel while recounting the successes of security forces in operation in North Waziristan, paid rich tributes to the officers and men for phenomenal successes in the operation and sacrifices they have rendered for the defense of the motherland.

Laying emphasis on continuation of Operations till elimination of the last expected and probable terrorists groups and sanctuaries, he exhorted commanders to take all measures to prevent escape of trapped terrorists.

The North Waziristan operation codenamed "Zarb e Azb" had uprooted nearly one million people, according to the officials. The civilian and military authorities have started repatriation of the displaced persons following the military control over most of the areas. Endi