ISLAMABAD: The army claimed on Wednesday to have made major progress in an operation in Kurram Agency after clearing the snow-covered Jogi mountains and severing a vital supply route to militants in North Waziristan.

“Jogi mountains, which were being used by militants as their hideout, have been captured and the area is well defended,” an army officer said after COAS Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited troops in Kurram Agency.

Gen Kayani was updated about Operation Azmari Ghero launched last November for flushing out militants.

This was one of the most intensely carried out recent operations in which 69 troops, including five officers, and about 160 militants, including foreigners, were killed.

“The terrorists fought pitched battles because it was one of their important lairs and served as an important link between Tirah valley and North Waziristan,” the officer said. He said North Waziristan had now been cut off from three sides.

The officer stayed short of claiming a victory against militants in the area and said they were still holding some area towards Tirah valley, which is their stronghold.

“Success of the operation will not only secure Kurram but will also sever linkage of terrorist groups in North Waziristan and Fata.

“Due to this significant effect, the operation is characterised by tough resistance from desperate terrorists against the resolve and determination of the forces,” the ISPR said in a statement.