Pak Army removes Swat commanding officer

Islamabad, July 5 (ANI): The commanding officer of the Swat offensive, Major General Ijaz Awan has been removed from the post.

He has been replaced by Major General Ashfaq Nadeem, as the Army is preparing for a final assault in the region.

Major General Nadeem, who is currently in-charge of the military operation in Mangla region, would assume the charge of General Officer Commanding (GOC) Swat on August 14, The Dawn reports.

Sources said that the replacements were a part of routine transfers and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani had also approved the new appointments.

"General Awan has completed his tenure of three years as GOC. The change is part of a major reshuffle in which 16 two-star generals have been transferred," they said.

It is believed that General Awan would be given new assignment, details about which are still awaited. (ANI)