Troops backed by tanks and artillery launched a counter-attack and according to official sources 20 militants were killed and seven injured in Khershah. -Reuters Photo/Robert Birsel
KALAYA Reports of fierce clashes have been received from the troubled Orakzai Agency and according to unconfirmed reports 47 militants were killed and 42 injured on Sunday night and Monday.

Two soldiers lost their lives and 11 others suffered injuries in attacks on checkposts and security convoys.

According to sources, militants attacked a checkpost in Khershah area of central tehsil on Monday.

One soldier, Sajawal, was killed and Nazim Khan injured.

Troops backed by tanks and artillery launched a counter-attack and according to official sources 20 militants were killed and seven injured.

Civilians are fleeing the areas and moving to relief camps in Hangu and Kohat.

Clashes were also reported from Dabori where eight militants were killed and 10 injured. Four soldiers also suffered injuries.

Security forces claimed that in another clash in the same area on Sunday night 19 militants were killed and 25 injured. Six soldiers also suffered injuries.

There are reports that 25 militants were captured.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing in action
17 Mar, 2026

Missing in action

NOT exactly known for playing a proactive role in protecting the interests of Muslim nations and populations...
Risk to stability
Updated 17 Mar, 2026

Risk to stability

THE risks to Pakistan’s fragile economic recovery from the US-Israel war on Iran cannot be dismissed. Yet the...
Enrolment push
17 Mar, 2026

Enrolment push

THE federal government has embarked upon the welcome initiative to enrol 25,000 out-of-school children in Islamabad...
Holding the line
16 Mar, 2026

Holding the line

PAKISTAN’S long battle against polio has recently produced encouraging signs. Data from the national eradication...
Power self-reliance
Updated 16 Mar, 2026

Power self-reliance

PAKISTAN’S transition to domestic sources of electricity is a welcome development for a country that has long been...
Looking for safety
16 Mar, 2026

Looking for safety

AS the Middle East conflict enters its third week, the war’s most enduring victims are not those who wage it....