PARACHINAR / LANDI KOTAL, May 31: Thirty-four militants and three security personnel, among them a captain, were killed in clashes in Parachamkani area of Kurram tribal region on Friday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations and political administration, the fighting erupted late on Thursday night and continued for a few hours. At least 34 militants were killed and 12 others wounded in the gunbattle during which three security personnel, including a captain, also lost their lives and another eight suffered injuries. The officer was identified as Captain Salman.

The officials claimed that security forces had established control over Mohammad Top, a bordering height between Khyber and Kurram agencies where scores of militants had taken shelter after the Pakistan Army launched offensive against them in parts of Tirah, Khyber agency.

An ISPR statement said that the army gained control of Haider Kandaw in Maidan area of Tirah after some tough resistance put up by militants.

It said security forces were able to reach all the dominating heights and establish a foothold in areas considered key to controlling most parts of Maidan. The Taliban had captured Maidan area of Tirah in February, forcing more than 40,000 local residents to flee it for safety.

It said that village defence committees had been raised in areas where the army had established its control to ward off any counter-attack by militants.