Kurram violence leaves 27 militants dead
Tribal Lashkars backed by paramilitary troops and artillery units fought against the Taliban in Kurram.
PESHAWAR:
At least 27 militants and four tribesmen were killed during gunfights in the Masuzai area of Kurram Agency, officials said on Monday.
The gunbattles between a tribal lashkar and Taliban erupted late Sunday, they said, adding that the armed forces later joined the tribal fighters and pounded militant positions with artillery.
The tribal force was backed up by paramilitary troops and artillery units of the army, according to an official.
The regional commissioner confirmed the fighting and said more than 30 people had been killed in the gun battles. The death tolls could not be verified independently as the area is out of bounds to the media.
Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Athar Abbas said earlier this month that a military operation in the area would clear it “of terrorists involved in…kidnapping and killing of locals and suicide attacks”.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 26th, 2011.
At least 27 militants and four tribesmen were killed during gunfights in the Masuzai area of Kurram Agency, officials said on Monday.
The gunbattles between a tribal lashkar and Taliban erupted late Sunday, they said, adding that the armed forces later joined the tribal fighters and pounded militant positions with artillery.
The tribal force was backed up by paramilitary troops and artillery units of the army, according to an official.
The regional commissioner confirmed the fighting and said more than 30 people had been killed in the gun battles. The death tolls could not be verified independently as the area is out of bounds to the media.
Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Athar Abbas said earlier this month that a military operation in the area would clear it “of terrorists involved in…kidnapping and killing of locals and suicide attacks”.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 26th, 2011.