Pakistan Killed 910 Militants In New Offensive Since June; 800,000 People Displaced

Pakistan has killed more than 910 militants in an offensive it launched in June in a restive province in the northwest, close to the Afghan border, the country's military announced Wednesday. The country also said that it has lost about 82 soldiers in the process.

Pakistan’s military said that the offensive, which has displaced more than 800,000 people from their homes, helped its forces loosen the Taliban's grip in northern Waziristan, Associated Press, or AP, reported. In contrast, the ongoing struggle in eastern Ukraine has displaced about 500,000 people since April. Pakistan's military also said that, aided by intelligence reports, it had conducted 2,274 attacks throughout the country since June and captured 114 more militants.

The U.S., which has been severely criticized by Pakistan's leaders and citizens for conducting drone attacks targeting militants inside the country, has repeatedly urged Islamabad to act against militants taking refuge in the country, AP reported. The Pakistani military began its offensive after an attack by militants on Karachi's international airport in June.

The Pakistani military also said that its offensive is “progressing as per plan” and that government forces have also destroyed several bomb-making units in the country.

Pakistan has witnessed severe political turmoil in recent weeks as opponents of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who accuse him of rigging elections, corruption and nepotism, have organized large-scale protests across the country. Nearly 400 people have been injured and three people were killed over the weekend amid clashes between police and demonstrators, AP reported.