Scores die in Waziristan pitched battles: Conflicting claims about casualties
Dawn Report
WANA/MIRAMSHAH, Sept 13: Scores of militants and soldiers were killed in pitched battles in Makin and Razmak areas of South and North Waziristan on Wednesday night and clashes continued throughout the day on Thursday.
There are conflicting reports about casualties.
According to security officials, 12 paramilitary soldiers were killed when insurgents besieged a base camp of the Bajaur Scouts housed in a school building in Nawaz Kot area of South Waziristan.
Officials said that about 30 militants were killed in Razmak sub-division of North Waziristan where security forces had launched an offensive against insurgents on Wednesday.
Security forces backed by Cobra helicopters and heavy artillery targeted positions of militants in Razmak. Heavy shelling and exchange of fire forced local people to move to safe places.Reports said that 10 paramilitary soldiers were killed and nine others were injured in clashes with militants in Razmak area.
In another incident, two army soldiers were killed and four others were injured when a rocket hit a military vehicle near Razmak.
Contrary to official claims, militants said that 80 paramilitary soldiers were killed in the attack on the base camp.
They said that militants had attacked an outpost of the security forces on the hilltop in Nawaz Kot on Wednesday night and at least 10 soldiers were killed.
They said that insurgents continued their onslaught after laying siege to the school building and 70 soldiers were killed. Local people said that the militants had blown up the school building.
Power supply was suspended to Razmak and adjoining areas when a rocket hit the grid station.
Militants distributed pamphlets in Miramshah on Thursday, warning the military to halt operations before Ramazan or face more attacks.
The pamphlet asked Khasadars and low-ranking officials of the political administration not to report to duty.
They also asked tribal elders to avoid meeting the political authorities.
AFP adds: Troops fought back militants who attacked an army checkpost in North Waziristan’s Nawaz Kot area overnight, top military spokesman Maj-Gen Waheed Arshad said.
“The security forces retaliated using gunship helicopters. Local sources are reporting at least 30 militants were killed but the toll could go higher,” Gen Arshad told AFP, adding that two soldiers also died and eight were wounded.
“The fighting is ongoing. Ground troops have advanced towards the militants’ positions.”
