Pakistan launches ground war in Waziristan - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Pakistan has launched a ground offensive against rebel strongholds near the Afghan border after evacuating nearly half a million people from the tribal region, the army has said.

A military statement said on Monday that soldiers had found underground tunnels and bomb-making factories in Miranshah, the capital of North Waziristan. 

"After the evacuation of all the civil population, a ground operation commenced in and around Miranshah early morning today," it said. "A house to house search of Miranshah town is being carried out by infantry troops and special service group."

It said nearly 15 rebels were killed and three soldiers were wounded in an exchange of fire in the initial ground advance, the statement said. 

Attack on Karachi

The operation - limited to airstrikes at the first stage - began days after rebels attacked the main airport in the southern port city of Karachi, killing 26 people.

The 10 assailants were also killed in the roughly five-hour siege that shocked Pakistanis by showing how vulnerable the country's institutions have become.

Pakistani forces killed 376 rebels during the first 15 days of the offensive, the statement said, adding that 17 troops also died.

The extent of civilian casualties is unclear. North Waziristan has been completely sealed and there is no way to verify the military's death tolls.

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