Security forces kill 12 suspected militants in Orakzai Agency
Fighter jets target militants’ hideouts in the Mamozai are of Upper Orakzai.
A file photo of Pakistani F-16 jets. PHOTO: PPI
ORAKZAI AGENCY:
Security forces killed 12 suspected militants in an air raid in Orakzai Agency on Thursday, Express News reported.
Fighter jets targeted militant hideouts in the Mamozai are of Upper Orakzai.
According to sources, five hideouts were destroyed in the attack.
Earlier on February 6, eight suspected militants were killed in a similar raid. It was the fifth such attack on militants this year. According to security forces, the previous four air raids killed around 38 militants, while 11 hideouts were destroyed. However, the exact figures are difficult to verify.
Strategic importance of Orakzai Agency
Orakzai Agency is strategically an important area. Covering an area of 700 square miles, the agency shares its borders with Kurram and Khyber agencies, Hangu district and Kohat, Darra Adamkhel.
It is the only agency among seven that does not share a border with Afghanistan. Its estimated population is 450,000. Since 2010, most of the agency was believed to be a safe haven for local and foreign militants, but security forces launched an operation to eliminate them. The operation is still continuing.
Around 97% of the agency has been reclaimed from militants.
Security forces killed 12 suspected militants in an air raid in Orakzai Agency on Thursday, Express News reported.
Fighter jets targeted militant hideouts in the Mamozai are of Upper Orakzai.
According to sources, five hideouts were destroyed in the attack.
Earlier on February 6, eight suspected militants were killed in a similar raid. It was the fifth such attack on militants this year. According to security forces, the previous four air raids killed around 38 militants, while 11 hideouts were destroyed. However, the exact figures are difficult to verify.
Strategic importance of Orakzai Agency
Orakzai Agency is strategically an important area. Covering an area of 700 square miles, the agency shares its borders with Kurram and Khyber agencies, Hangu district and Kohat, Darra Adamkhel.
It is the only agency among seven that does not share a border with Afghanistan. Its estimated population is 450,000. Since 2010, most of the agency was believed to be a safe haven for local and foreign militants, but security forces launched an operation to eliminate them. The operation is still continuing.
Around 97% of the agency has been reclaimed from militants.