Pakistan army launches ground offensive in North Waziristan

Islamabad, Jun 30:

on Monday launched ground operation in

tribal region, beginning a new phase in its major offensive against

.

"After the evacuation of all civil population, ground operation commenced in and around Miranshah early morning today," military spokesman Maj Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa said.

He said house-to-house search of the Miranshah town is being carried out by troops and special service group. "So far 15 terrorists have been killed in ground offensive.

Troops have recovered underground tunnels and IEDs preparation factories inside the, so far, cleared area," he said.

Three soldiers were injured in exchange of fire. Meanwhile, integrated fire of artillery, tanks and other heavy weapons was moving towards terrorists concentrations in Mirali and other areas.

Cordon is in place at other areas housing terrorists. Bajwa said since start of operation ZarbeAzb on 15 June, 376 terrorists have been killed while 19 others surrendered.

At least 61 terrorists hideouts have been destroyed in the last 15 days. Bajwa said 17 soldiers were also killed in the operation.

He said that relief activities were also going on to help the displaced people.

PTI