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24 militants killed in Pakistan's tribal area operation

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-22 19:57

ISLAMABAD: At least 24 militants were killed during military operation in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal area in the last 24 hours, while two security forces personnel lost their lives and four others were injured, an army statement said Thursday.

After intense fighting complete Tor Ghundai feature has been secured on Jandola-Sararogha axis in the lawless tribal area, the Inter Services Public Relations said. Series of bunkers and caves were neutralized and lots of militants left the area after suffering heavy casualties. Reportedly, thirteen militants were killed in the region.

On Shakai-Ladha axis security forces are extending perimeter of security North of Sherwangi area. Militants raided Boya Narai west of Sherwangi Wednesday night but the attack was repulsed with 11 militants killed and a number of others injured. One soldier was killed and three others injured in the area.

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Security forces have regained the control of Torwam Bridge which was closed by militants since 2007.

In Razmak security forces are consolidating their positions and have effectively blocked the roads leading from Makeen. Militants fired six rockets at Razmak camp leaving one soldier dead.

About 7,184 internally displaced persons (IDP) families have been registered in nearby DI Khan and Tank region since October 13.

Meanwhile, search and clearance operations were continued in Swat and Malakand district in North West Frontier Province (NWFP). Important militant commander Iqbal alias Islam was killed and large quantity of ammunition, grenades and equipment were recovered in the area.

Security forces also apprehended nine suspects from different areas of Swat. About 1,700 militants have been killed since Pakistani security forces launched the military operation against Taliban militants in Swat and Malakand late April.

Pakistani security forces launched military operation in South Waziristan tribal agency bordering Afghanistan in early October 17 morning. The army said that about 30,000 soldiers are in place to take on an estimated 10,000 hard-core Taliban militants in the semi-autonomous tribal belt. So far more then 100 militants including several foreigners have been killed in the area.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 170,000 people may be displaced as a result of the new military operations.