35 militants, four Pakistani soldiers die in clashes
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Nov 25, IRNA -- At least four Pakistani soldiers and 35 militants were killed in clashes in Kurram tribal region on Friday, local TV channels reported.
Fifteen militants were also injured in clashes at Mauzai area of Kurram agency, bordering Afghanistan, Geo television reported.
There has been independent confirmation of the reports. Journalists are not allowed have access to the tribal areas.
The Friday’s clash broke out after the militants attacked check post of security forces, reports said.
Both sides used heavy weapons including rockets and mortars in the clashes.
Pakistani forces have launched been conducting major operation against the Taliban militants in Kurram and the nearby Orakzai agency over the past few weeks.
The security forces are also using gunships to target hideouts of the militants in remote and mountainous areas.
Sources said clashes take place when forces make advance to clear areas from Taliban militants and to open roads, that had been under control of the militants in some remote areas.
Also on Thursday, five soldiers and 18 militants were killed in an attack on a security forces' convoy and retaliatory shelling by the troops on militants' hideouts in Kurram Agency, while nine insurgents were killed in Orakzai Agency clashes, according to local media reports.
During their control in several parts of Kurram and Orakzai tribal areas, Taliban militants had carried out many attacks on the pro-government tribesmen and Shiite Muslims.
Pakistani forces have now cleared most of the areas from Taliban and are also making advance in areas where Taliban are still showing some resistance.
**1424
Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30681315
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