Security forces kill seven militants in Kurram Agency

Security official killed earlier yesterday when an IED went off in Thok area of Kurram.

KURRAM AGENCY: At least seven militants were killed on Monday when security forces bombed their mountain hideouts with fighter jets in the Kurram Agency near the Afghanistan border, military officials said.

A security official in Peshawar confirmed the deaths. "It is a part of the onslaught against militants to clear the area, we will continue doing this till we have cleared the entire area" he told The Express Tribune.

Earlier yesterday, a security official was killed when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off near a vehicle of the security forces in the Thok area of central Kurram Agency, sources confirmed today.

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

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.

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

Drastic security measures have been adopted in the region, with cell phone services suspended in the nearby district of Hangu and adjoining areas.