Militancy in tribal areas: 47 militants killed in Kurram, Orakzai

Five security personnel killed in the clashes.

PESHAWAR:

At least 47 militants were killed and 50 others were injured in separate operations in the Kurram and Orakzai tribal agencies on Wednesday, security sources said.

Five security personnel were also killed in these clashes while 15 others, including an officer, were also injured.

However, there was no independent confirmation of casualties as the area is out of bounds for media.

Security sources said that gunship helicopters pounded militant hideouts in parts of Central Kurram Agency, killing at least 16 militants and injuring 18 others.

Security sources also claimed that four militant hideouts were destroyed in the attacks, which were carried out in the Gowaza and Gowaki areas of the Central Kurram region.

Separately, about 20 militants were killed in clashes with security forces and militants in the Jawaki area of the Central Kurram. Security sources said that 30 other militants were injured in these clashes.

Two security personnel identified as Liaqat and Farman were also killed in clashes with militants, while nine others including an officer were injured.

The injured were identified as Lieutenant Sabteen, Yasir, Yosaf, Sher Alam, Usman, Aamir Saadiq, Mohammad Iqbal, Naseemullah and Sahib Murad.

About 11 militants were killed in Upper Orakzai Agency in clashes with security forces, while five others were injured. Six security personnel were also injured in this incident.

Sources said that the clashes took place in the Khadezai area of Upper Orakzai Agency, which shares borders with the Central Kurram Agency.

Security forces have intensified their operation against militants in upper Orakzai and central Kurram regions during the past few days and more than 150 militants have so far been killed in clashes with security forces.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2011.