22 Militants Killed In Pakistani Tribal Region

Islamabad, March 11, IRNA – At least 12 militants were killed in aerial bombing and 10 in clashes with security forces in Pakistan north western tribal region on Saturday, security officials said. Officials said jets had targeted militant hideouts in the Jabba, Adokhel, Sam’ma and Mamozai areas of Orakzai agency. “At least 12 militants were killed in the bombing,” said an official. “Three others were also injured according to our reports,” he added, and also confirmed that three hideouts had also been destroyed. Security forces also clashed with militants in the Khadezai area of Orakzai. “A militant commander was among ten militants killed and eight were injured,” said the official. None of the claims could be independently verified as the area is closed for journalists. 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 TTP started activities in parts of Orakzai agency in 2008. Orakzai had been relatively peaceful tribal region before the Taliban activities there. Local tribesmen have also formed ‘Lashkar’ or private militia against the Taliban who are supporting the security forces./end