PESHAWAR Security forces have cleared the Hangu district in the troubled North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan, after killing 20 militants, including five at the Tora Warai fort. About 60 militants have also been captured so far during the ongoing operation in the district, Director General ISPR, Major General Athar Abbas said on Sunday.

At least 20 militants have been killed and 60 captured so far in the operation as the troops had managed to push militants out of the district and were now targeting them in the mountains to the north of Hangu district, he told APP.

When asked whether security forces will withdraw after the end of the operation, the Military spokesman said that the presence of troops in the district depends on the decision of the political administration.

The security forces were moved to Hangu after Pro-Taliban militants attacked a FC convoy near Zargari that killed about 22 people including 17 paramilitary soldiers.

Meanwhile, an ISPR statement said that at least five militants were killed, about 20 were injured and six vehicles were destroyed during fierce fighting between the FC and militants last night at Tora Warai Fort near Doaba, in the Hangu district.

About 100-120 militants attacked the Tora Warai Fort, sometime after midnight. The FC soldiers repulsed the attack and valiantly defended the Fort, offering stiff resistance to the attackers for three to four hours. There were 29 FC soldiers in the Fort at the time of the attack.

Meanwhile, FC officers asked the army for reinforcements and Army troops were immediately dispatched to the fort. The troops engaged the militants and destroyed six vehicles as they fled. Reportedly, 20 militants were also injured in the engagement.

Security Forces have reinforced the Tora Warai Fort. Locals of the areas are also helping security forces in fighting the militants who had come from outside the district.

W.K