PESHAWAR July 23 (APP): The Security Forces have ended the operation in restive Hangu district after clearing it from militants and anti social-elements, Director General ISPR, Major General Athar Abbas said on Wednesday.  “The government writ which was challenged by militants has been established in Hangu and miscreants were flushed out from there,” Abbas told APP.

He said that objectives of the operation have been achieved.  During the operation, he said that five troops were injured while 20millitants were killed and sixty others captured.

Later, 30 persons were released after they were found innocent after conducting through investigation of the matter, Maj Gen Athar Abbas said.

The security forces were moved to Hangu district on the request of provincial government when militants attacked on the FC peace convoy at Zargari area that killed 22 innocent people including 17FC troops few days ago. The residents of Hangu warmly welcomed the Security Forces as they were fed up with  militants’ activities that made life of people miserable there. “The people fully backed the Security Forces in the entire operation,” DG ISPR added. When asked about timeframe for withdrawal of troops, the Military Spokesman said it would be decided keeping in view the decision of district administration and the provincial government.