Security forces in Pakistan claimed to have killed 12 militants in Shawal area of North Waziristan today. The forces advanced to capture strategic points in the valley abutting the Afghan border.
According to reports, the suspected militants, including a commander identified as Hezbollah, were killed when planes bombed and destroyed three hideouts. The offensive was launched last week after Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif ordered troops to eliminate the hideouts. A military officer, four soldiers and around 50 militants have been killed in the last phase of the operation.