LADDAH: Twenty-three terrorists were killed as troops advanced deeper into the Taliban-controlled territory in South Waziristan and captured Gherlama, an important position north of Kotkai, the hometown of TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud.

Four soldiers lost their lives in fierce gunbattles in areas around Gherlama, Kotkai, Nawazkot and Spinqamer.

Shin Gher, a vital hilltop near Razmak in North Waziristan, was also captured.

Tanks, backed by military jets and helicopter gunships, pounded Taliban positions

According to Inter Services Public Relations, troops secured the important Tarkona Narai hill after a 16-hour gunbattle and made gains on the Jandola-Sararogha axis, securing important ridges.

ISPR said that 15 more terrorists had been killed as troops moved beyond Kotkai. One soldier laid down his life.

Troops have secured Point 1125 north of Shishwam, an important ridge on the Jandola-Sararogha axis, and another point two kilometres north of Kotkai.

‘Terrorists have left the area and are firing sporadic rockets at positions of security forces from distant heights.’

On the western side of the axis, security forces secured forward ridges of Kaskai, three kilometres north-west of Kotkai.

Tarkona Narai, the highest feature on an important junction east of Sherwangi, has also been secured on the Shakai-Kaniguram axis.

The hilltop had four strong points and a series of bunkers.

Four terrorists were killed in the battle for the hilltop and another eight when they tried to flee from the area. One non-commissioned officer and three soldiers lost their lives.

Local officials said that mines had slowed the advance of troops.

They said 15 terrorists and three soldiers had been injured in the offensive.

Security forces, officials said, consolidated their positions in Kotkai and captured a number of other areas over the past few days.

They said helicopter gunships attacked terrorists’ positions in Kaniguram.

Meanwhile, Hakimullah Mehsud urged the government to stop the operation which he said had been lauched to get US aid.

Agencies add:

Artillery, tanks and helicopter gunships were used to bombard terrorist bases in Sam, Badr and Ladha on Sunday in which several Taliban hideouts were destroyed, officials said. 

There are reports of foreign fighters, including Uzbeks and Arab Al Qaeda supporters, fighting alongside the Taliban in South Waziristan. 

Troops clashed with militants as they advanced in rugged terrain from Kotkai towards Shesham Wam and Badr, military officials said.

Jets and attack helicopters were providing support to the ground forces, they added.

An ISPR press release said three terrorists were killed in a clash which erupted during search of a compound in an area southwest of Sherwangi.

One 12.7mm gun, eight rockets, 18 60mm and eight 82mm mortar bombs were seized. Meanwhile, six terrorists surrendered to soldiers at Pushtanai and Derai in Swat and Malakand.

Troops, ISPR said, apprehended five suspects during a search operation in Sakrano Khwar, near Shalpin, and Mangaltan.

A wanted suicide bomber was arrested from the village of Kuz Durshkhela near Khawazakhela.

Army distributed about 299 tons of rations in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank among the displaced people.

About 50 tons of rations were distributed in Wana.