LANDI KOTAL: At least 13 suspected militants were reportedly killed when military planes targeted their hideouts in the Rajgal valley of Tirah in Khyber Agency on Thursday.

Official sources said that air strikes against militant hideouts at the forested region of Rajgal continued for the third consecutive day when the Inter-Services Public Relations formally announced the launching of yet another offensive against outlawed groups holed up in the Rajgal valley.

They said army ground forces continued their advance movement to forward positions in the area which was infested with landmines planted by fleeing militants.

“The foot movement is very slow and cautious in order to avoid human losses and also establish a strong foothold in the treacherous terrain,” the officials said.

The ongoing military operation has been neither code-named nor has a time frame been given by security officials for its completion.

Troops, however, consolidated their positions in the low-lying areas of Wachay Wanny, Dwa Thoe, Pak Darra, Pattai, Bagh and Ghakhi localities.

Forces have also taken control of the Haider Kandaw pass which connects most parts of the Tirah valley with Kurram Agency. The area is considered a thoroughfare for members of outlawed groups operating in the region.

A press release issued by the ISPR, however, put the figure of militants killed in the air strikes at 11. It said four other militants were injured and eight hideouts were destroyed in precision air strikes and synchronised ground operation in Babar Kachkol, Naray Nao and Tor Sapar areas of the Rajgal valley in Khyber Agency on Thursday.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2016