Heavy fighting between troops and militants led to the killing of 13 soldiers and scores of enemy fighters along the Afghan border, military officials said on Tuesday.
The clashes signalled a fresh military push in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency, where the military has been targeting the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Islam, who have been attacking Peshawar frequently.
Khyber straddles the NATO supply line into Afghanistan, used by US-led troops to evacuate military equipment ahead of their 2014 withdrawal, and officials say it is key to protecting security in Peshawar for the elections next month.
“Thirteen soldiers have died over the past three days in various parts of Tirah. Ground forces have intensified operations against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Islam,” a military official said.
The official said more than 100 militants had also been killed, but the death toll was not possible to verify independently as the area is cut off to journalists and aid workers.
He said the town of Tut Sar had been “captured” back from militants and that soldiers had now erected a post in the area.
“Helicopters and fighter jets participated in the operation. They are shelling militant hideouts in the valley,” the official said.
A second military official confirmed the same details.
Pakistani troops have been fighting for years against insurgents in the north-western tribal belt, where the United States has accused them of not doing enough to crack down on Taliban and other militants active in Afghanistan.
Is it not ironic that those killing Pakistani soldiers are fit to contest elections under clause 62 of constitution and those who oppose these terrorists are not?
Silly, foolish, meaningless argument! Are you saying only fake degree holders and proven crooks are the only ones opposing terrorists? And are you saying "those killing Pakistani soldiers" are filing election papers? Certainly not the case, I can assure you 😉
Apparently, yes. The likes of LeJ's chief, who have murdered innocent people all over the country are most likely going to contest in the polls. It is ironic that those who deserve to be hanged publicly will most likely win elections.
Army should keep up the pressure on these TTP thugs and kill as many as it can. There is no place for these people who practice and preach twisted ideologies and kill innocent and unarmed people. Find them and eliminate them.
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