LANDI KOTAL: Five soldiers, a captain among them, and 27 militants were killed in clashes in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency on Thursday. 

According to security sources, soldiers were entering militants’ strongholds when an intense ground battle took place. They identified the officer who lost his life in the line of duty as Capt Ajmal.

With ground offensives continuing in parts of Tirah valley for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, security forces gained control of some areas which were previously held by the banned groups.

Take a look: Security forces claim major success in Tirah valley

Informed sources told Dawn that security forces had entered Garhi Kamar Khel, Nakai Malikdin Khel, Zarmanza in Sikandar Khel and Dwa Thoe, Tangu, Mehraban Kalay, Khaeyst, Tharkho Kas, Mailu, Thor Darra and Malakabad localities in Kukikhel area. All these areas had been under the control of Tariq Afridi group of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) since 2010.

The sources said ground forces were supported by intense artillery firing and aerial shelling by helicopter gunships. They said troops faced little or no resistance in these localities as militants affiliated with the TTP, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Lashkar-i-Islam had vacated their sanctuaries prior to the assault by security forces. 

Security officials while confirming the advance into the militant-occupied territories said that fleeing militants had left behind a huge cache of arms and ammunition. Militants’ hideouts were demolished by the troops.

They said artillery was now targeting militant positions in Sra Vella and Wachay Wany areas of Kukikhel. They said fleeing militants had taken refuge in areas close to the Afghan border, including Serhai and Rajgul.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2015

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