Thaindian News

Rawalpindi, June 6 (ANI): Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas has said that during the last 24 hours, at least 17 militants have been killed in Sarsanai, and added the militants attacked the security motorcade which was taking Maulana Alam and Amir Izzat.

Speaking at the press briefing on Operation Rah-e-Raast, Director General Inter Services Public Relations Major General Abbas said an army check post has been set up in Koza Bandai.

He said a large cache of arms and ammunitions has been recovered from Koza Bandai.

Commenting on the reports regarding the arrest of Sufi Muhammed, he said Sufi Muhammed has not been arrested, nor is he in the custody of security forces.

Two security personnel were martyred in Khozakhela, the army spokesman said.

He said at least 1305 militants have been killed and 120 others arrested in the operation; while, 105 security personnel were martyred and 105 others injured.

The arrested militants include foreigners from Central Asia, Afghanistan and Arab world, he said adding there are at least four percent foreign militants in the conflict areas.

Kabal, Shamozai areas are not clear as yet, he said however the communication on either side of Swat river are in working condition.

Maulana Fazlullah has been thrice targeted on intelligence reports, The News quoted Major General Abbas, as saying.

He urged the local veterans to identify the militants and help the security forces. The military will stay in the area until the civil administration takes over, he added.

The government will take up the decision regarding operation in Waziristan, he said, adding no decision in this connection has been taken as yet. (ANI)