LANDI KOTAL/PARACHINAR: At least 46 suspected militants were killed and their hideouts destroyed in intensified military operations in Khyber and Kurram tribal regions on Wednesday.

According to security officials, a soldier was killed when a vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Shabak area of Kurram Agency.

Claims about casualties could not be verified from independent sources.

Take a look: Security forces regain strategic heights in Tirah

A statement issued by the ISPR, the military’s public relations wing, said warplanes and helicopter gunships continued strikes in Tirah valley for the fourth day, leaving 30 militants dead.

An official said the banned Lashkar-i-Islam’s sanctuaries in Nangrosa, Sandana, Khyber Sangar, Speen Drand, Seekh Kot, Sur Kas, Tor Darra and Takhtaki areas were attacked and at least seven hideouts, including two ammunition depots, were destroyed.

Troops advanced into Sipah and Kukikhel areas, considered to be strongholds of the LI and the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s Tariq Afridi group.

Heavy artillery shelling was carried out to dislodge militants.

According to reports, troops took control of Takhtaki heights after a fierce battle with LI men who had been holding the area for almost one and a half years.

Security forces have dislodged LI activists from Maza Thal and Khyber Sangar ridges, getting an upper hand over militants as the places along with Takhtaki overlook most of the Kukikhel, Sipah and Kamar Khel areas where both the LI and TTP have sanctuaries. 

In Akkakhel area of Bara, security personnel along with Khasadars demolished the houses of three LI activists wanted in several incidents of sabotage.

Suspected militant positions in Shabak area of Lower Kurram tehsil were pounded with heavy artillery. Officials said that 16 suspected terrorists were killed and several others injured. The area adjoining North Waziristan is along Afghanistan’s Khost province.

Soldier Hilal Mohmand was killed in a roadside explosion in Shabak. He was in a vehicle on way to bring water from a channel when it was blown up.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2015

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