Pakistan claims country purged of terrorists

Islamabad: Pakistan Army yesterday said it has killed over 3,500 militants, claiming the entire country has been cleared of "organised presence" of terrorists.

Military spokesman Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa said that since the launch of ‘Zarb-e-Azb' military operation in June 2014, armed forces have achieved "major successes" in the fight against terrorism. "I can say that there is no hideout of militants in any area of Pakistan, as we have cleared all area of organised presence of militants," he said. He said since the operation was launched, 537 soldiers lost their lives and another 2,272 were injured.

Bajwa added that Daesh has been smashed as its entire leadership of 20-25 militants has been arrested, including Pakistan chief. He said 309 ISIS supporters and operatives were nabbed in operations.