Violent clashes kill 35 in northwest Pakistan

Iran Press TV

Sun Jun 9, 2013 4:56PM GMT

Pakistani armed forces have killed nearly three dozen pro-Taliban militants during the ongoing military operations in the country's troubled northwest tribal region, security sources say.

The causalities come after heavy fierce fighting took place in the wake of a fresh military push in Maidan region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

Local security officials say 35 militants were killed and more than a dozen others injured during the operations over the past 48 hours. At least one soldier lost his life during the violent clashes in the troubled region.

The Pakistani army has launched several fresh operations in the troubled northwest in a bid to flush out militants from its tribal zone.

Despite the Pakistani government's operations against Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and associated groups, they have still been able to spread their influence in various regions of the country and kill thousands of people.

Thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives in bombings and other militant attacks since 2001 when Pakistan entered an alliance with the US on the so-called war against terrorism, according to local media.

Thousands others have been displaced by the wave of violence and militancy sweeping across the country.

Since late 2009, there has been a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan.

JR/PR