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Operation Zarb-e-Azb updates: Potential terrorist bases cordoned off; surrender points established

RAWALPINDI: After a long period of speculation, which also included attempts at peace talks, Pakistan on Sunday launched a military operation against militants in the troubled North Waziristan agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

As the Pakistan Army embarks on this critical mission, get all the updates of the operation, code-named Zarb-e-Azb, here – with links to all our detailed coverage.

June 15, 11:04pm

The defence minister has said that dialogue was not honoured by the Taliban and the government got frustrated by attacks on innocent Pakistanis and national assets.

June 15, 10:26pm

ISPR has also released a detailed statement on the North Waziristan operation. You can read the entire press release here.

“As of now North Wazirastan Agency  has been isolated by deploying troops along its border with neighboring agencies and FATA Regions to block any move of terrorists in and out of the Agency,” said the statement, adding that within the agency, troops have moved and cordoned off all terrorists bases, including in the town of Mirali and Miranshah.

“Announcements will be made for local population to approach designated areas for their orderly and dignified evacuation out of the Agency. Meanwhile, aerial surveillance of the area is being carried out by own aerial surveillance platforms,” the statement added.

Further, the statement added that Afghan security forces have also been requested to seal the border on their side to facilitate the operation. “They have also been requested to initiate immediate measures to eliminate TTP terrorists and their sanctuaries in Kunar, Nuristan and other areas of Afghanistan.”

June 15, 10:19pm

ISPR has given the first two official updates regarding the operation on the ground.

The DG ISPR has tweeted that all potential terrorists bases have been cordoned off and the civilian population will be allowed to leave. Further, an IDP camp has also been established.

June 15, 9:52pm

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is expected to take Parliament into confidence on Monday about the government’s decision to launch a military operation in North Waziristan.

June 15, 9:02pm

Information Minister Pervez Rashid has appealed to all political parties to stand by the army during the operation. He went on to add that the militants will either drop their weapons or face defeat, Express News reported.

June 15, 8:45pm

A military official in the main North Waziristan town of Miramshah told AFP that the coordinated operation — involving airforce, artillery, tanks and ground troops — has already started.

After the announcement of the full-scale operation in the North Waziristan area, a security official on ground said that thousands of troops have been moved for action.
“Thousands of troops will participate in this action. You can roughly say 25,000 to 30,000 troops will be involved in the operation,” the official said on the condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to speak to media.

June 15, 7:50pm

Talking to Express News, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the government went through with peace talks, but once they failed the government decided to launch military action. He went on to add that civilians residing in that area will face difficulties due to the operation, but the government is prepared to assist them.

“The army is ready and citizens should remain calm army is prepared to deal with difficult situations and will help civilians move,” he said, adding that air and ground forces are fully ready to act and will bring complete peace to the area.

“We will complete the operation as soon as possible,” he added.

Asif said that the decision of the operation against terrorists reflects the wishes of people of the country.

In a statement on Sunday, he said the government fully tried to resolve the issue through dialogue. He said the decision of the operation is taken thoughtfully, keeping in view all options.

The defence minister said the operation is need of the hour and would continue till complete elimination of the enemies.

He said the Pakistani nation is with the armed forces of the country. The minister expressed confidence that the operation will be a success of our armed forces.

June 15, 7:19pm

The meaning of Zarb-e-Azb is sharp and cutting. It’s reportedly the sword used by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the battle of Badar.

June 15, 6:59pm

ISPR press release announces launch of military operation.

“DG ISPR has said that on the directions of the Government, Armed forces of Pakistan have launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists who are hiding in sanctuaries in North Waziristan Agency. The operation has been named Zarb-e-Azb,” said the press release.

The ISPR statement went on to add that terrorists in N Waziristan had waged a war against the state of Pakistan and had been disrupting life in all its dimensions, stunting our economic growth and causing enormous loss of life and property. “They had also paralysed life within the agency and had perpetually terrorised the entire peace loving and patriotic local population,” the statement added.

“Our valiant armed forces have been tasked to eliminate these terrorists regardless of hue and colour, along with their sanctuaries. With the support of the entire nation, and in coordination with other state institutions and 

Law Enforcement

 Agencies, these enemies of the state will be denied space anywhere across the country. As always, armed forces of Pakistan will not hesitate in rendering any sacrifice for the motherland,” said the statement.

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