RAWALPINDI: Pakistan army Thursday launched ground operation in Shawal area of North Waziristan, as part of ongoing offensive Zarb-e-Azb against the militants.
According to the military spokesman, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has directed commanders to achieve the objectives as soon as possible.
The army chief also commended the “ideal coordination” between the ground and air forces.
Analysts suggest the launch of ground operations shows the military is in the latter stages of its offensive in the region.
"This (Shawal) is the last outpost of militancy and I believe the military is now moving in the direction of closing the operation," security analyst Hasan Askari told AFP.
Read more: Air strikes kill 43 more militants in North Waziristan
He added: "If the military don't do it in two months time, winter will set in, making it difficult for them to accomplish the task.
"It seems air raids have been successful and it is now possible for the army to take control of the ground".
Earlier, Pakistani fighter jets pounded militant hideouts in Shawal, killing at least 15 militants.
The Pakistan army began a major campaign in North Waziristan in June last year and authorities have now vowed to intensify operations.
Officials say nearly 3,000 militants have been killed since the launch of the latest offensive.
According to the military spokesman, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has directed commanders to achieve the objectives as soon as possible.
The army chief also commended the “ideal coordination” between the ground and air forces.
Analysts suggest the launch of ground operations shows the military is in the latter stages of its offensive in the region.
"This (Shawal) is the last outpost of militancy and I believe the military is now moving in the direction of closing the operation," security analyst Hasan Askari told AFP.
Read more: Air strikes kill 43 more militants in North Waziristan
He added: "If the military don't do it in two months time, winter will set in, making it difficult for them to accomplish the task.
"It seems air raids have been successful and it is now possible for the army to take control of the ground".
Earlier, Pakistani fighter jets pounded militant hideouts in Shawal, killing at least 15 militants.
The Pakistan army began a major campaign in North Waziristan in June last year and authorities have now vowed to intensify operations.
Officials say nearly 3,000 militants have been killed since the launch of the latest offensive.
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