Islamabad, Nov 12 (IANS): Pakistan's top military commanders Wednesday decided to continue two major operations against the Taliban and other militant groups.

The security forces are presently battling armed groups in Waziristan and Khyber tribal regions.

The Corps Commanders' Conference reviewed progress of the operations and "expressed the resolve to continue Operations till the elimination of the terrorists", the military said.

Participants at the conference were given detailed briefing on the overall security situation in the country with particular reference to the progress of the ongoing operation "Zarb-e-Azb" in North Waziristan and Operation Khyber-1 in Khyber tribal region, Xinhua reported.

The commanders vowed that the terrorists would not be allowed to regroup and return to these areas, neither will they be allowed any space across the country, a military statement said.

Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif, who presided over the meeting, expressed complete satisfaction over the progress made in the operations and gains achieved so far, said the statement issued by the army's Inter-Services Public Relations.

"He (army chief) paid rich tributes to the courage shown and sacrifices rendered by troops during the ongoing operations," the statement said.

Gen. Sharif directed all officials concerned to pave the way for the early return to their homes of those who have been displaced by the military operations.

On Wednesday, 19 militants, including key commanders, were killed in aerial strikes when jet fighters pounded Sandapal area of Khyber Agency, a separate army statement said.

An arms depot and five militant hideouts were also destroyed in the strikes, it said.