Up to 41 militants were killed and another 15 injured in separate offensives by security forces in Kurram and Orakzai Agencies on Friday. The forces assaulted militant strongholds in Kurram Agency at around midnight, killing 35 militants and injuring 15 others, security officials said. Four soldiers were also killed in the clash, which lasted several hours.
Militant sources confirmed the clashes and casualties but disputed the government’s death toll. In a separate incident, security forces killed six militants and destroyed two hideouts in Orakzai Agency.
A search operation was also carried out in the village of Paskalay, where 15 suspected militants were arrested.
Security forces claimed to have killed over 120 militants and injured 40 in Orakzai Agency during the past week. They also claimed to have regained control of Akhund Kot, Chapar and Dapar Killay areas.