12 militants, two security officials killed in Kurram firefight

Earlier, person was killed and six injured when a rocket was fired into the Paracha Market area of Kohat district.

PARACHINAR: Twelve militants and two security personnel were killed in overnight clashes in the northwestern tribal region of Kurram on the Afghan border, security officials said.

There was no independent confirmation of the casualties. Militants often dispute official death tolls for clashes.

Earlier on Monday, one person was killed and six injured when a rocket was fired into the Paracha Market area of Kohat district.

In a separate incident yesterday, seven militants were killed when fighter jets targeted militant hideouts in Kurram Agency.

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.