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Five Pakistani soldiers, 25 militants killed in tribal region clashes: army

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Peshawar, Aug 8, IRNA

Pakistan-Operation

At least five Pakistani soldiers and 25 suspected militants were killed as security forces launched a major operation in the Bajaur tribal region, officials said on Thursday.

The operation was launched at Loiesum area, some 15 kilometers from Khar, the center of Bajaur, late last night and continued Thursday, a statement from the government media center said.

Locals said that security forces used gunship helicopters to hit positions of the suspected militants.

Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar rejected the authorities' claim about casualties and said that Taliban inflicted losses on the forces.

Umar said that clashes started when the security forces, backed by tanks and armored vehicles, advanced in the Loisum area.

Witnesses said that some people left the area due to clashes but Taliban spokesman told the people through FM radio station to stay in houses and do not pass any information to the authorities about Taliban movement.

In another incident, a soldier was killed and another critically injured in a roadside bomb blast at Siddiq Abad area of Bajaur.

Taliban also attacked a convoy of security forces at Katkot area of Bajaur, injuring three soldiers critically.

Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Locals said the operation in Loisum area is aimed at cutting the major supply line of local Taliban.

They had been using the route for movement to other parts of Pakistan.

Locals said that the forces launched operation after Taliban stepped up their activities in Bajaur and had also threatened to launch series of suicide attacks across the country.

Deputy chief of Pakistani Taliban Maulvi Faqir and spokesman Maulvi Umar told a joint press conference in Bajaur on Tuesday that they have formed a group of suicide bombers, including women and teenagers.

Major operation in Bajaur shows that the security forces have now extended their operations in other parts to eliminate Taliban militants.

Forces are also engaged in operation against militants in Swat valley, some 100 kilometers from Bajaur.

In charge of the operation in Swat says that over 100 militants have been killed and many more injured in operation in 10 days.