Islamabad, Oct 9 (IANS): Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Thursday became the country's first elected prime minister to visit the war-torn North Waziristan region as he arrived in its headquarters Miranshah to boost the morale of security forces fighting against terrorists.

Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif accompanied Sharif to the region, Dawn online reported.

Upon arrival, the premier was given a detailed briefing by the operation commander on the success achieved so far by security forces in the military operation, Zarb-i-Azb.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the progress of the operation and lauded the sacrifices rendered by military personnel in their fight against terrorism and assured full support for the complete success of the ongoing operation.

Sharif said the armed forces' efforts in the war against militancy and extremism was evident and commendable.

"This is not a conventional war where the enemy is known," the prime minister said in a press conference in Miranshah.

"In such wars, the enemy attacks in disguise," he said, adding that he was "really glad to meet you all here".

"I hope that we all live with unity and serve Pakistan."

Sharif was flanked by Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Mehtab Abbasi, Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Safron) Lt. Gen. Abdul Qadir Baloch (Retd) and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar.

Operation Zarb-i-Azb was launched by the Pakistan army June 15 following a brazen militant attack on Karachi's international airport and failure of peace talks between the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).