Pakistan

Security forces kill 18 militants

Express July 18, 2010

PESHAWAR: At least 18 militants were killed and 13 others injured on Saturday when warplanes bombed Taliban positions in Upper Orakzai Agency, security sources said.

Seven hideouts were also destroyed in the blitz. Sources said that the planes bombed Arghanju, Torsimat, Dray Chautai and Janray areas in Upper Orakzai.

Aerial bombing of militant hideouts has been a common occurrence in the violence-plagued region, where a military offensive was launched in March. This operation was launched following reports that militants fleeing the military operation in South Waziristan had entered Orakzai. In April, the Orakzai operation moved focus to Upper Orakzai after security forces claimed to have cleared Lower Orakzai. Last month security forces had claimed victory in the operation against militants but said that “stabilisation” operations would continue. The offensive has displaced thousands of tribesmen, who have taken shelter in camps and in their relatives’ homes in the districts of Kohat, Hangu and Peshawar.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2010.

COMMENTS (2)

Asif Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Suggestion media or forces elements should also shows these militant pictures as a proof of elimination. Most of the the people have views that we never see these militant bodies what our media or forces claimed. I am just conveying this message.

Sadia Hussain | 14 years ago | Reply The current military operations are focusing on eliminating the militant strongholds while this is vital. We must also come up with broader strategies for countering terrorism. The arrests of militant leaders must also be capitalized as by effective interrogations we can develop a better understanding of the militant mindset. The intelligence agencies need to maintain a liaison so that the level of intelligence sharing is improved.

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