Thaindian News

Islamabad, April 10 (IANS) At least 124 militants were killed and more than 70 injured in the biggest offensive of security forces in the Khyber, Orakzai and South Waziristan agencies in northwest Pakistan, a media report said.
The security forces, backed by helicopter gunships, targeted a militant gathering in the remote Jamrud area of Khyber agency, killing more than 60 militants and injuring 70, Online news agency reported quoting sources.

The military operations have been intensified in the three agencies as they are adjacent to each other and this enables the militants to freely move in the area.

Lashkar-e-Islam and Ansar-ul-Islam are the two prominent militant outfits who are fighting against each other on sectarian lines — and against the security forces in the tribal areas.

Meanwhile, Pakistani troops, during a search operation in the Bezotkhel and Baizoti areas of Orakzai agency, found the bodies of 54 militants who were killed in a clash Friday, the sources said.

The insurgents were attacked as they entered Orakzai from Khyber in an attempt to recapture a strategic checkpoint.

The security forces also claimed to have taken control of 90 percent of the area during the massive military operation that began March 25 against militants in Orakzai in which over 350 militants were killed or injured.

Above 80 percent of the people have left the area and moved to Hangu and Kohat cities after security forces asked them to quit.

Large numbers of militants who fled from South Waziristan tribal area arrived in Orakzai just before the military operation was launched in October 2009 in the stronghold of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Another 10 militants were killed by security forces in South Waziristan, according to a TV channel.

The security forces traded heavy fire with militants in Sararoga area of South Waziristan and killed 10 militants. One security personnel was also killed.