"South Waziristan is far better than Karachi, " said Captain Fahim, head of a new military cadet college, in comparing the region to the major Pakistan port city that has been engulfed by political and sectarian violence.

WSJ: In Former Taliban Sanctuary, an Eerie Silence Takes Over

Pakistan's military began its operation to clear militants from the district after tribes in the region refused to hand over those responsible for the abduction of dozens of Razmak Cadet College students, who were seized along with their relatives and teachers on May 29, military spokesman Maj.

CNN: Blast kills cleric who denounced suicide attacks

Earlier this week, militants in the tribal region of North Waziristan abducted more than 120 students and staff at a graduation ceremony at Razmak Cadet College.

CNN: Suspected suicide blast kills 40 at Pakistani mosque