A total of 252 terrorists have been killed and over 160 injured as the on-going military operations against terrorists enter the last phase in North Waziristan, the tribal region in the northwest of Pakistan. Eight soldiers lost their life while 39 were injured in these operations.

According to a statement issued by the military spokesman, Lt. General Asim Salim Bajwa on Sunday, during the last phase of Zarb-e-Azb operation launched last February, forces have cleared 640 square kilometres area of Shawal, North Wazirstan while the battle to clear the last pocket close to the Pak-Afghan border continues. Terrorists' hideouts were destroyed, and a cache of arms and ammunition recovered.

The statement added that the drive against terrorists was carried out in extremely hostile terrain and harsh weather conditions, which saw 4,304 square kilometres of area being cleared.

During the last phase of Zarb-e-Azb, the return of Temporarily Displaced Persons was progressing as 36 percent of the total 37,012 families of North Waziristan have returned to their homes.

Progress of infrastructure projects in North and South Waziristan was reviewed by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif yesterday in the light of the already approved master plan. Ninety-four development projects of various nature have been completed while 153 projects are underway, the statement said

Source:WAM