Pakistani forces kill 21 militants in Orakzai

Pakistani Security forces kill 21 militants in Orakzai offensive.

At least 21 militants have been killed and 24 others sustained injuries in fierce firefight and bombardments as Pakistan's armed forces launched an offensive on Taliban hideouts in the northwest tribal belt with neighboring Afghanistan.

Security forces — backed by artillery, gunship helicopters and fighter jets — carried out the operation against the militants in Hashmat Killay, Qeematkhel, Merobak, Shanka Anjani and Ferozkhel areas in lower part of Orakzai tribal region.

The security sources said fierce clashes took place between security forces and the militants in Hashmat Killay and Qeematkhel areas. A soldier identified as Niqab Shah sustained injuries in the gunfight who was later shifted to the Combined Military Hospital in the northwest city of Peshawar.

“We have reports that 21 terrorists have been killed in Anjani area of lower Orakzai. One bunker, one ammunition dump and one training centre of the terrorists have also been destroyed by security forces,” official and tribal sources said.

Pakistani paramilitary troops also regained control of Hashmat Killay, Qeematkhel, Merobak, Shanka Anjani and Ferozkhel areas and hoisted the national flags on hilltops after fierce fighting with the militants.

Eyewitnesses said contingents of security forces, backed by artillery, armored personnel carriers and other heavy weapons, were advancing towards the hideouts of militants in the troubled parts of Orakzai agency. They said the forces were carrying out a search and clean-up operation in the areas.

Security forces had launched a military operation in lower parts of Orakzai Agency against the militants late on Tuesday night to flush out militants.