15 militants killed in Upper Orakzai

Security forces also conduct search operation in Syed Khel and arrest 3 militants including key commander Ziaullah.

PESHAWAR:

At least 15 militants were killed and 20 others suffered injuries, when fighter jets bombed their hideouts in the Upper Orakzai Agency on Wednesday, sources said.

The attacks targeted militant safe havens in the Mamozai, Akhund Kot, Garina and Barjat areas of the Upper Orakzai Agency. The sources added that at least 15 militants were killed and 20 others were injured in these aerial assaults, which were carried out at around 11:00am. Sources further said that at least three militant hideouts were also destroyed.

Separately, security forces conducted a search operation in the Syed Khel area of the Lower Orakzai Agency and arrested three militants, including key militant commander Ziaullah.

The attacks in Orakzai Agency come after a quiet period during the ongoing military operation, which is on since March 24 this year.

Security forces claim clearing at least 90 per cent of the territory with the exception of main militant stronghold of Mamozai in Upper Orakzai Agency.

Recently, around 26 Sikh families living in Lower Orakzai Agency, who had left the area due to militant excesses earlier last year, returned to their homes after the authorities asked them to come back.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11th, 2010.