Civilians evacuated from tribal region in North Waziristan

Islamabad: Civilians have been evacuated from North Waziristan tribal region where an operation to root out terrorists was launched on June 15, the Pakistani military said on Saturday.

The evacuation paves the way for expected ground offensive after a fortnight of aerial bombardments, sources said.

“To make sure that there are no innocent civilians still left in the area, announcements are being made for any stranded tribals who may have stayed back for any reasons, to leave also,” a military statement said.

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from North Waziristan is officially said to be nearing half a million.

Pakistan Air Force jets destroyed six terrorist hideouts on the outskirts of Mir Ali town in North Waziristan on Friday evening and 11 militants were killed, the statement said.

On Saturday morning the army targeted terrorist bases outside Miranshah with artillery, tanks and heavy weapons, the main town in North Waziristan, killing seven terrorists, it said.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander of Miranshah, Umer, was killed by security forces on Friday night on the outskirts of Miranshah, according to the statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations.

One prominent Al Qaida commander has been arrested while trying to flee from surrounding areas in North Waziristan and initial interrogation shows him as an IED explosives and suicide belt expert, it said.

The overall toll of terrorists killed so far in the operation has now risen to 345, according to the military.

A number of terrorists were arrested by security forces while they were trying to cross Indus River near Mianwali in Punjab province and all escape routes along the river are currently sealed, it said.

Effective cordon around terrorist hideouts in North Waziristan is in place, it added.

After the recent surrender of 19 terrorists, more are likely to lay down arms, the statement said.

Supply and distribution of rations to IDPs is gradually improving.

“The whole nation is pledging ration, money and other relief goods, and is enthusiastically depositing their contributions at Collection Points established by the Army across the country,” the statement said.

Collection points have been increased to 53 now across the country where until now 131 tonnes of ration have been collected and despatched to Bannu in northwestern Khyber Pakthtunkhwa province.

A field medical hospital established by Army medical Corps at Khalifa Gul Nawaz hospital Bannu is providing medical care to patients round the clock. Mobile medical teams are also being sent out to various areas where IDPs are residing.