US praises Zarb-e-Azb, says it reduced militants ability

This was stated by Commander-designate US and coalition forces in Afghanistan Lt. Gen. John Nicholson in a written reply to questions by the Senate Armed Services Committee.

He said military operation being carried out by Pakistan’s Army in the tribal region is critical to defeating terrorism.

Gen. Nicholson said improved coordination between Pakistan and Afghanistan along their common border is important to counter-terrorism operations.

He said United States always acknowledged the Afghan and Pakistani military forces to work more closely together against the common enemy.

On the reconciliation process with the Taliban, he said it was an Afghan-led effort, which was recently re-started with a quadrilateral meeting with Pakistan, the US, and China.

He termed reconciliation as the path towards a negotiated settlement that brings about the end of conflict in Afghanistan.