Thaindian News

Islamabad, May 3 (IANS) At least 29 militants, including a senior Taliban leader, were killed Monday during clashes with security forces in Pakistan’s tribal region bordering Afghanistan, officials said.
Local Taliban leader Pervez Khan was killed along with his 17 aides in an encounter with Pakistan army in Bajaur, a former Pakistani Taliban stronghold, Xinhua reported citing officials.

Meanwhile, at least 11 militants were killed by security forces Monday in nearby Orakzai region, officials said, adding that two security personnel also died in the clashes.

Militants opened fire after army personnel asked them to surrender during a search operation at a militant hideout in Ghandu area of Bajaur. After hours of retaliatory firing by the army, 18 militants were killed.

Later, a body was recognised as that of Pervez Khan, the third-highest ranked leader of the Pakistani Taliban, also on the most wanted list.

Over 600 militants and 18 security personnel have died since the army launched operations in the tribal region in March 2010.