15 more militants killed in fresh military operation in FATA

PESHAWAR - At least 15 militants were killed by Pakistani security forces in a fresh military operation in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) restive Orakzai Agency.

According to reports, extremists targeted a check post in Bezoti area following which security forces retaliated and killed over a dozen militants. Frontier Corps spokesman said the troops killed the suspected militants after an intense gunbattle near the Afghan border.

Lieutenant Colonel Tahir Akram said the fighting took place when a group of militants attacked a security checkpoint in the Taliban infested Agency.

He said the security forces repulsed the attack and captured four insurgents.

“The attackers wanted to capture a checkpoint in the Bezoti area from where insurgents were evicted last week following gunbattles. One soldier was also wounded in the fighting,” Lieutenant Colonel Akram said.

The ambush comes a day after 13 militants were killed and over 20 injured in air strikes is the same region.

Over 215 extremists have been killed in the last two weeks since the anti-terror operation was initiated in the region.

Pakistani fighter jets had destroyed seven suspected terror hideouts and two houses belonging to pro-Taliban leaders besides killing over a dozen militants earlier this week.

A huge cache of latest arms and ammunitions, bunkers, and dozens of vehicles have also been seized during the on going operation.

Security forces have claimed gaining control over several areas in Lower Orakzai such as Bagram, Sheraz Garhi, Anari Kalay, officials said. (ANI)