Orakzai and Kurram operations: 12 militants killed as security forces advance

Helicopter gunships used in attack on militant hideouts.

PESHAWAR:

Army helicopter gunships pounded suspected militant hideouts and killed at least 12 militants in the Upper Orakzai Agency on Friday. Two security personnel also sustained injuries in the operation.

There were two main operations. Helicopter gunships bombed militant hideouts early morning in the Zakhtan, Arhang and Shakkar Tangi areas of the agency, killing eight militants and destroying three hideouts in the process, sources said. A late Thursday night encounter between militants and security forces in the Khadezai area of the agency killed four militants, while two security personnel were injured.

“Troops were advancing in the Inzar Kalay area when the militants attacked, two of the security men were injured,” said an official. According to sources, the injured were shifted to the Kalaya Hospital.

Several militants have been killed and scores injured since targeted attacks have been launched to clear Orakzai and Kurram agencies. An operation was launched in Orakzai Agency in March last year and in Kurram this summer. Security forces also launched a massive crackdown against militants in Upper Orakzai Agency two weeks ago to clear the remaining parts of the agency of Tehreek-i-Taliban militants.

Security forces have increased their advances in the agencies over the past few days.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2011.