Pakistan forces kill 823 militants in Waziristan operation: Minister
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, March 27, IRNA -- Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Friday told the parliament that 823 terrorists have been killed during operation major military operation in South Waziristan tribal region.
Over 25,000 thousands troops launched major operation against Taliban militants in South Waziristan in October and expelled most of the militants from the region.
“The armed forces have achieved landmark success in this operation that has been resulted in overcoming activities of suicide attackers,” Malik told National Assembly, the Lower House of the parliament.
Military sources say that around 100 soldiers also lost lives in the operation.
On December 12, 2009, the Pakistan army declared victory in South Waziristan.
To a question the Interior Minister told the House the operation in South Waziristan especially in Makeen area, was launched in special case it was headquarters of Taliban leaders including Baitullah Mehsood and terrorists camps were being controlled from there.
He said the Taliban leadership was also operating suicide attacks in various parts of the country from Makeen.
The Minister said that precautionary measures were taken before launching operation in South Waziristan and it was publicly announced before this operation asking the people to leave the area for their safety.
He said utmost efforts have been made to save the lives of innocent people but it cannot be denied that some innocent people have been killed during this major operation which is part of such activities.
Rehman Malik said fifty terrorists have been arrested from the area while 650 suspected terrorists are being scrutinized to fix their identity.
“Action against terrorists would continue with full force till elimination of last terrorist that is vital for bringing peace in the country,” the minister said.
**1424
End News / IRNA / News Code 1024951
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