In this picture taken on March 7, 2011, Pakistan army soldiers take positions in the Pakistani tribal area of Ditta Kheil in North Waziristan where the Pakistan army are fighting against militants and al Qaeda activists along the Afghanistan border. Crumbling unity among militants could provide the Pakistan army an opening to conduct a limited offensive against a particularly vicious Taliban group in a strategic tribal region, according to analysts and a senior military official. – Photo by AP

PARACHINAR / KALAYA / GHALANAI: At least 33 militants, two pro-government tribesmen and one soldier were killed in military actions and clashes in Kurram, Orakzai and Mohmand agencies on Thursday.

Officials said helicopter gunships pounded three militant hideouts in Mirandi, Sangraba and Chinarak areas of central Kurram, killing 20 militants and injuring several others.

Five militants and two tribal volunteers were killed as fresh clashes erupted in Mirandi. Security forces have cleared most of central and lower Kurram of militants.

KALAYA: Eight militants were killed when security forces pounded suspected militant hideouts in Khadizai and Mamozai areas of Upper Orakzai with heavy artillery.

Three hideouts were destroyed. Security forces seized a large cache of weapons and dismantled several landmines in Ghaljo, Kandi Kalli and Takhshak villages.

GHALANAI: A soldier was killed and five were injured when a landmine hit a security patrol in Ghalingar area of Safi tehsil. Soldier Irfan died on the spot. Two of the injured were reported to be in a critical condition.

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