Pakistani forces kill 10 militants after declaring victory
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad,June 3, IRNA -- Pakistani security forces Wednesday killed at least 10 militants in Orakzai tribal area a day after army declared victory in the same region, officials said.
The forces retaliated after the militants attacked a roadside checkpoint at Shahu Khel area of Orakzai agency, they said. A soldier was wounded in the incident, official sources said.
On Tuesday, Pakistani army Pakistani military declared victory in Orakzai agency where the forces had launched major offensive in mid-March.
Officials claim that the forces have killed uptp 1,000 Taliban-linked militants over the past two months. The figures could not be verified independently as access of journalists to the area is limited.
Pakistani Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Orakzai and Kurram agencies on Tuesday and in an army statement a victory on the militants was declared.
The statement also announced end to operation in Orakzai agency but the Wednesday attack by the militants raised concerns that the militants are still active and can launch attacks.
The army says that a limited operation ‘Rah-e-Nijaat’, or Road to Salvation was in fact launched in May 2009 to purge the area of militants.
Officials say that a large number of hideouts were also destroyed during the operation. They say that militants had taken shelter in Orakzai agency after they were expelled from South Waziristan tribal region.
The UN refugee agency says that around 200,000 had been displaced as the result of the operation and the army chief said that repatriation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), will begin soon.
The army chief appreciated the professional conduct of the operation, the army statement said, adding, "Kayani's visit to Orakzai Agency marked the successful conclusion of operations in the agency."
General Kayani thanked tribesmen for their support in the operations and reassured normalcy in the region.
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End News / IRNA / News Code 1154499
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