Pakistani forces kill 18 militants in NW
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, April 9, IRNA -- Pakistani security forces have killed at least 18 suspected militants in several clashes in a tribal region where the army has launched major offensive, state television reported Friday.
Quoting a spokesman for the paramilitary forces, PTV reported that the security forces retaliated when the armed militants attacked a security checkpoint in Orakzai tribal region, bordering Afghanistan.
According to the report the forces pushed the militants back and arrested four militants. One soldier was wounded, it said.
The forces launched a major offensive against Taliban militants in Orakzai last month and the army says some 300 militants have been killed so far.
There has been independent confirmation of the figures as journalists are not allowed access.
Orakzai is a former stronghold of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud, whom the Pakistani interior minister and American officials believe probably killed in a US drone strike in January. Taliban denied the dead rumors and a military spokesman said this week that the army has no confirmation.
The army had announced earlier that there will be no major operation against the militants this year but analysts say that the US pressure has prompted opening new front.
A recent American aid bill has made Pakistan bound to show progress in efforts against the militants and that is why the forces have stepped up operation in Orakzai agency.
Officials believe that hundreds of militants who fled South Waziristan after major operation in October have arrived in Orakzai agency.
**1423
End News / IRNA / News Code 1044399
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