10 ‘militants’ killed in fresh air strikes

PESHAWAR: At least 10 suspected Taliban militants were killed and six wounded in fresh air strikes in the Orakzai tribal region on Saturday, intelligence officials said.

Warplanes and helicopter gunships bombed suspected hideouts of insurgents in Ghaljo, Nandarmela, Kot Killay, Anzarki, Khadezai, Dabori and Mullpati areas in Upper Orakzai sub-division, officials told The Express Tribune. Four suspected militant bases were also destroyed in the blitz.

Security forces are closing in on militants holed up in Khadezai, Ghaljo, Naryab, Safildarra, Zafar Ghari, Ghanda Killay and Alisherzai areas from three sides. Troops are targeting militant bases with heavy artillery. At least eight houses were destroyed in shelling on Saturday, local sources said. No casualties were reported as occupants had already abandoned the houses to flee fighting between security forces and Taliban fighters.

Separately, militants torched four state-run schools and as many houses in Kasha, Sarmela and Ghaljo areas of upper Orakzai sub-division. Meanwhile, sources said that at least 22,000 people are facing shortage of edibles in the Mamuzai area of upper Orakzai.

Fighting continues in the region despite the claim of victory by the army against militants earlier this month. The military spokesperson has called ongoing clashes “stabilisation operations” which he says will continue for some time. According to unofficial figures, more than 45,000 people have been displaced by fighting in Orakzai Agency.

Meanwhile, the Kohat police claim to have arrested a militant commander, named Abdul Mateen, in Orakzai Agency. Mateen is said to be a key commander in the Rabiakhel tribe area of upper Orakzai sub-division. In neighbouring Hangu district, police arrested four suspected militants and recovered arms from their possession. Police called them key Taliban commanders.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2010.