Pakistan anti-militant offensive enters 'final phase'

Pakistan has begun the "last phase" of an ongoing massive military operation to wipe out the remnants of militants from hideouts across the troubled tribal regions along the restive border with Afghanistan.

According to the reports, a senior Pakistani security official said on Thursday that the operation would target militant positions in Data Khel town and Shawal valley in the volatile North Waziristan.

"Both ground and air assets are being used to take on the terrorists hiding in the areas," AFP quoted the source as saying, adding, "The objective is to cleanse the area of militants."

The massive operation near the Afghan border will be conducted as part of an ongoing major offensive to clear strongholds of the Taliban and al-Qaeda militants.

According to a statement by Pakistani military, the chief of the Pakistani army staff General Raheel Sharif ordered the immediate launch of the final phase of Operation Zarb-e-Azb during a visit to North Waziristan on Wednesday.

General Sharif has emphasized that sacrifices by Pakistani troops will not be in vain and the ultimate goal of a terror-free Pakistan will be achieved.

Meanwhile, Pakistani law enforcement agencies also plan to step up intelligence-based anti-militant operations in major cities across Pakistan.

SS