NORTH WAZIRISTAN (Kashmir English): Around 30 terrorists have been eliminated during an ongoing clearance and sanitization operation in North Waziristan since May 17, while the bodies of 13 terrorists have been recovered.
Security sources said that the operation began late on May 17 and concluded on May 20 after extensive sanitisation of Abba Khel, Patti Khel, and Bobali areas.
Sources added that the bodies of seven to eight more terrorists killed during distant engagements were visible to the ground troops and the quick clearance team at different places.
According to officials, some bodies were swept away by flooding in the Kaitu River, and search efforts were ongoing with assistance from locals.
Moreover, the sources said that the highly wanted terrorist leader and Kharji commander, Umar alias Jan Mir alias Saqib Tor, was also neutralised during the operation in the area around the Bobali Mosque in Spanwam, security sources added.
The Khawarij commander Umar had a bounty of Rs 3 million on his head, and his body was recovered by troops.
Weapons and equipment recovered
According to the sources, 11 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mortar rounds were recovered from the terrorist centers and hideouts and safely disposed of during the operation.
Several important centers and hideouts of the terrorists were also demolished, including nine bunkers and seven hideouts in Boali Markaz and Minar Mosque Markaz.
Other demolished terror hideouts include Nawal Masjid Markaz, Abu Hanifa School Markaz, Chota Masjid Operational Headquarters, underground culvert bunker, and terrorist fighting positions opposite MSR, Abu Bakr Masjid Markaz, and Qayyum Masjid Markaz.
As per the details, the security forces recovered 3 submachine guns, 1 M-16 rifle, 1 rifle gun with ammunition, 1 pistol and two magazines, 1 lever-action shotgun, 3 grenades, 17 SMG magazines, 190 SMG rounds, 4 mobile phones, 3 Afghan SIM cards, 4 chest rigs, one damaged communication set, and Rs42,000 in Pakistani currency.
The operation is underway by encircling different areas and conducting clearance, search, and sanitization, sources said.
