25 militants killed in Orakzai

PESHAWAR: At least 25 militants were killed and 23 others injured when fighter jets and gunship helicopters targeted militant hideouts in Orakzai Agency on Sunday.

Security sources said that the attacks targeted militant hideouts in Upper Orakzai Agency where extremists still have a strong hold and security forces have been fighting them since April 12.

Sources said that five hideouts were also destroyed during the attacks. Warplanes attacked militant bases in the areas of Maulapattai, Alikhel in Dabori, and Mamozai. At least 10 militants were killed, 15 were injured and two hideouts were destroyed.

Earlier, gunship helicopters also attacked hideouts in the Otmela, Shakar Tangi and Safil Darra areas and at least 15 militants were killed and eight others were injured. Three hideouts were destroyed.

According to military claims, hundreds of militants have been killed in clashes in Orakzai Agency during the military operation which is now in its fourth month.

Separately, four security personnel were injured in district Bara of Khyber Agency, when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) targeted a security convoy, sources said.

The attack came in the Spin Qabar area at around 9:00 am when an IED targeted a military convoy passing by the area, sources said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 19^th, 2010.