ISLAMABAD / PESHAWAR: The basic objective of Operation Zarb-i-Azb was to root out terrorists, eliminate their sanctuaries in North Waziristan and rid the country of the menace of terrorism, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said on Monday.

Speaking at the National Defence University (NDU) a day after the military formally launched an operation in the tribal areas, the army chief talked at length about the country’s internal and external security with special reference to the ongoing military operation.

The COAS also visited Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, where he was given a detailed briefing on the progress of the operation.

He directed all authorities concerned to take extra care in managing those who were displaced by the operation, in coordination with the relevant civilian agencies.

The COAS hoped that with the support of the nation, and particularly the proud tribesmen of Fata, Operation Zarb-i-Azb would be successful.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2014