PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: At least 13 suspected militants were killed and five hideouts were destroyed in fresh strikes carried out by Pakistan's military jet fighters on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The statement added that 12 suspected militants surrendered to security forces in North Waziristan tribal region.

Army chief visits Aviation Base

Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif visited the newly set up premier helicopter overhauling facility at Aviation Base Workshop today and witnessed the first batch of overhauled helicopters.

Addressing on the occasion, Chief of Army staff, congratulated engineers and technicians of Aviation Base Workshop for having developed the first ever inland helicopter overhauling capability in collaboration with Saint Petersburg Aviation Repair Company (SPARC).

He specially appreciated the team for cost effectiveness and time reduction achieved due to our own overhauling facility.

Chief of Army Staff emphasised on enhanced self reliance and continuous skill development to meet the growing challenges of maintaining high operational readiness of Army Aviation.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of serving and retired military officers.

The army launched its long-awaited major operation 'Zarb-i-Azb' in the tribal region a week after an attack on the airport in Karachi, deploying troops, tanks and jets to the area in the crackdown on the Taliban and other militants.

The operation resulted in an exodus of residents belonging to North Waziristan tribal region and according to official figures the number of internally displaced persons had crossed 450,000 persons.

The number of IDPS is expected to cross 600,000.