ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has linked eradication of terrorism and extremism in the country to the success of the Rah-i-Nijat operation in South Waziristan, the stronghold of banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which has claimed responsibility for most of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

‘The army is not conducting operations against any tribe or area, but against a handful of terrorists who have not only destroyed the peace and tribal traditions of the area but have also made the majority of the people hostage to their anti-state agenda,’ the COAS said, during a visit to Wana on Sunday to meet field commanders and troops fighting insurgents.

During the day-long visit, Gen Kayani appreciated the morale and spirit of the troops.

He reiterated that the operations were being conducted without any outside support.

He was received by Corps Commander Lieutenant General Muhammad Masood Aslam.