Pakistani tribal elders vow not to allow militants' return

Tribal elders in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region Saturday assured the country's army chief that they would not allow militant groups to return to the area.

Hundreds of different Taliban groups and foreign militants had sneaked into North Waziristan and disrupted the normal life of local people for years. The militants had killed many tribal elders and turned the area into their sanctuaries.

The army launched a major operation in June of last year and have killed over 3,000 militants so far. Some militants have fled to neighbouring Afghanistan.

The security forces have now taken control of most of the region and the militants have now moved to the mountains.

Army Chief General Raheel Sharif visited North Waziristan where he reviewed progress in the ongoing operation and also met the tribal elders, the army said.

Tribesmen renewed support for the military offensive, a military spokesman said.

"Tribal elders paid rich tribute to Army for successful operations, and affirmed that with the help of the Army, terrorists will never be allowed to return to the area," an army statement said.

On Saturday, the security forces killed at least three militants in North Waziristan after a roadside bomb targeted an army convoy, injuring one soldier. The security forces started firing at the suspects, killing three at the scene.

The militants had planted the improvised explosive device at Tehsil Tarayza area and detonated it through a remote control when the convoy was passing through the area.

The operational commanders briefed the army chief about recent progress of ongoing codenamed "Zarb-e-Azb" and the return of the displaced people, the army spokesman said.

Appreciating the progress, General Raheel vowed to continue operations till total elimination of terrorists, adding the terrorist networks and their linkages are being unearthed across the country and the nexus will be broken at all cost to bring enduring peace. Endit