Army: Pakistani militants flee to mountainous region
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, April 12, IRNA -- Pakistan army says that Taliban and other militants from tribal regions have fled and established bases in a mountainous valley, bordering Afghanistan.
The army spokesman said due to successful operation of security forces in other agencies of tribal regions, militants had started fleeing to Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency due to its linkages with other agencies and Afghanistan.
The army statement came a day after reports that Pakistani fighter planes bombed suspected hideouts of the militants in Tirah and reportedly killed at least 40 militants.
Tribal elders in Tirah rejected the claim by security forces and said that most of those killed were civilians. They said the fighter planes hit bunkers established by the tribesmen for their self-defence.
The army said that Tirah, a stronghold of Lashar-i-Islam, has become hub/confluence of militants Tehrik-e- Taliban Pakistan, Tehrik-e-Taliban Swat and Foreign fighters.
“Confirm reports are being received through intelligence sources and Political Administration about growing no of militants and threats” it said.
Militants have established there hide outs and training centers in different parts of Tirah Valley, it said and added that yesterday, due to security forces action 13 militants were killed.
Doctors in a Peshawar hospital have told reporters that 15 women and children were among the injured brought to the city’s Hayatabad Medical Complex.
**1422
End News / IRNA / News Code 1049122
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