Eighteen militants killed in Waziristan, Malakand: ISPR

[caption id="attachment_1510" align="alignright" width="604" caption="Security forces also arrested 23 militants during the day-long operation in Malakand, the ISPR said in a statement. — Reuters "][/caption]By Farzana Shah-Asian Tribune Correspondent in Pakistan

Islamabad, 01 July, (Asiantribune.com): At least 18 militants were killed in clashes in the military operations in Malakand and Waziristan in Pakistan during the last 24 hours, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.

Three soldiers were also killed during clashes with militants in various areas of Swat and Dir.

Security forces also arrested 23 militants during the day-long operation in Malakand, the ISPR said in a statement.

At least 18 wounded militants were killed by other militants on the orders of militant commanders in the Biha valley.

It has been reliably learnt that during clearance of Biha valley, 18 wounded terrorists, who could not have been taken to safety, were slaughtered by their own people on orders of their commanders.

Security forces commenced operation to secure Shah Dheri from two directions.

From north, Samai Killay was secured. In the process three soldiers were martyred and five soldiers including two officers got injured. From the east security forces secured Bhoka, Dande and Yakh Tangai Sar. During this operation three soldiers including an officer were injured.

Security forces commenced clearance and search operation around Rahatkot, and Jukhtai south east of Fatehpur and recovered one explosive laden vehicle from the house of Dua Khan and one red colour Double Cabin vehicle was also blown up. During exchange of fire with terrorists, 8 terrorists were killed.

Security forces conducted search and sweep operation in areas around Matta and Wanai. On a tip off by locals, eight terrorists were engaged and killed.

Security forces conducted clearance and search operation at Balasur and apprehended two suspected terrorists Mian Afil Zada and Aziz Ahmed.

Security forces conducted clearance and search operation at Sambat in which terrorist Muhammad Raheem alias Bhai son of Gulpur Jan was apprehended.

In Dir the local lashkar conducted house to house search and burnt 15 hideouts of terrorists. During exchange of fire with terrorists 2 terrorists were killed and 20 were apprehended.

An IED exploded near traffic police check post in Buner at Swari Bazaar, resultantly two policemen and two civilians were injured.

Meanwhile parents of young boys, who were forcibly taken for suicide training by Baitullah Mehsood group, have reportedly demanded release of their siblings. However, Baitullah Mehsood has flatly refused to release them at any cost.

On the other hand police in Kohat district of NWFP claim to have recovered a suicide jacket and a huge quantity of explosives from the Hangu district.

According to the DIG of Kohat, Abdullah Khan, police raided a militant hideout on a tip-off in the Doaba area of Hangu district, recovering a suicide jacket and 10 kilograms of explosives.

Three suspected militants were also arrested during the raid. The suspects were shifted to an undisclosed location for further interrogation, Abdullah Khan said.

- Asian Tribune -