Pakistan’s security forces killed 15 militants in fresh gunfight in Orakzai agency; fight displaces 46000 people from the area

BY GAEA TIMES CORRESPONDENT

ISLAMABAD: Security forces of Pakistan kave captured four and killed as many as 15 militants in a gunfight after an attack on a checkpoint situated in Orakzai Agency of pakistan—-a tribal area.

This time clashes were reported between the security forces and the militants in Bezot Khel village of Orakzai Agency. This is the same locality where pakistan’s security forces are battelling taliban.

When contacted by this correspondent, a top official of FC confirmed that troops have killed 15 militants in a gunfight which started after an attack on a checkpoint. Same was confirmed by higher authorities of Federally Administered Tribal Area of Pakistan. Reportedly three soldiers got multiple wounds during the gunfight, however they were out of danger, said an official.

The military has announced a running death toll of more than 100 militants in the Orakzai operation since late last month.

Last week Pakistani jet fighters bombed hideouts set up by militants in a government school, a health center and civilian areas in Orakzai region. Official sources claimed that 20 militants were killed and 10 others injured in the air strikes. Two civilians also lost their lives.

It is relevant to mention here that the bombing had displaced a large number of people and about 46,000 displaced families had been registered in a camp in provincial capital Peshawar and Kohat.

“About 46,000 families have been registered over the last three months and people are still fleeing their homes and coming to relief camps,” said a government official overseeing the registration of IDPs in the adjacent Hangu district. She said that two relief camps had been set up for IDPs in Hangu.

Informed sources said that planes are continually targeting militants positions in different areas.

According to the sources, six militants were killed during last week’s attack on the school and eight on the dispensary. The bombing on a market left two civilians dead and destroyed 13 shops.

Officials said that planes also attacked insurgents’ hideouts in Enjani, Shah Dala and Syed Khalil village, killing six terrorists. They claimed that Anjani, Khrasha, Sherazgari and Sultanzai areas had been purged of militants.

In Ghelju and some other areas militants have occupied government buildings.

Local people said that the conflict in Orakzai had caused a humanitarian crisis and a large number of people had been forced to move to other areas.