Pakistani forces kill 252 terrorists, clear more areas in Waziristan

 Pakistani military forces have killed 252 terrorists over the past two months and cleared more areas in the remote mountainous North Waziristan region, in the final phase of the major offensive, the military said on Sunday.

Hundreds of troops, backed by fighter jets, have been chasing the remaining militants in Shawal Valley where they are hiding.

"During last phase of operation in Shawal, 252 terrorists have been killed reportedly 160 were severely injured. In the last two months, valiantly fighting in Shawal, eight soldiers of Pakistan Army embraced Shahadat (martyrdom) while 39 injured," the army spokesman said.

The spokesman said in a statement that major terrorist hubs of Mana, Gurbaz, Lataka, Inzarkas and Magrotai have been cleared.

"The battle to clear last pocket close to Pak-Afghan border continues. The ongoing operation is being conducted in extremely hostile terrain and harsh weather condition," he said, adding that the Shawal heights are fully covered with snow and visibility is very poor on and inside mountains.

The security forces have cleared all heights over 9,000 feet, while the terrorist camps were destroyed and huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered.

"Since the launch of last phase in February 2016, army troops have been fighting valiantly and have cleared 640 square km of Shawal area," the spokesman said.

Source: XINHUA