Five suspected militants killed in Pakistani tribal region
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Jan 6, IRNA -- Pakistani security forces on Friday killed five suspected militants in Orakzai tribal region, official sources said.
Sources say security forces pounded militant safe-houses in Mamozai and Khadizai areas of upper Orakzai region, destroying at least two hideouts.
Orakzai Agency, the lone tribal region of Pakistan which does not have borders with Afghanistan, had been once the stronghold of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP.
The security forces had established posts in different parts of Orakzai agency after expelling the militants of most of their former base. But they are still hiding in several remote and hilly areas and launch attacks on the forces.
Many TTP leaders also took shelter in Orakzai after they were expelled as the result of major offensive by Pakistani forces in South Waziristan tribal region in 2009.
The incumbent TTP chief Hakimulah Mehsood started activities in parts of Orakzai agency in 2008. Orakzai had been relatively peaceful tribal region before the Taliban activities there.
Taliban have also carried out attacks on the Shi'a Muslims and pro-government tribal elders in Orakzai agency and have killed hundreds of them over the past few years.
Local tribesmen have also formed ‘Lashkar’ or private militia against the Taliban who are supporting the security forces.
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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30751915
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