Islamabad, July 7 (IANS): Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif on Monday told troops in North Waziristan to "eliminate all local and foreign terrorists and their sanctuaries" in the tribal region.
The army chief visited the troops on the front lines for the first time since they launched a major offensive against the armed groups in North Waziristan, which the army describes as the biggest sanctuary of the militants, Xinhua reported.
The army, backed by fighter jets and gunships, started the long-awaited operation June 15 after the peace dialogue with the Taliban collapsed. The Taliban then increased attacks across Pakistan on security forces and sensitive installations.
The Pakistani Taliban, with the help of Uzbek militants, carried out a deadly attack on the country's biggest airport in Karachi June 8 and killed nearly 30 security and airport personnel.
Almost all major political parties threw their weight behind the government's decision to go for the biggest push against the Taliban who had turned North Waziristan into a launching pad for attacks in the country and even across the border into Afghanistan.
The army chief visited the troops to boost their morale in the middle of the operation in Miranshah, headquarters of North Waziristan.
He lauded the troops for their courage, dedication and high morale and expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved so far since the start of the operation, the military said.
"The army chief commended the entire chain of command for their determined efforts in planning, preparation, mobilisation and execution of the operation," an army statement said.
General Raheel was given a detailed briefing on the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb.
On the ultimate objective, he said that "terrorists will be chased and hunted down across the country till their final elimination".
He acknowledged and appreciated the support of the entire nation and said "we will accomplish our mission and rid Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism" with unflinching national resolve and clear direction.