Global General

20 militants killed in Pakistani tribal area

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-16 17:52

ISLAMABAD - Pakistani fighter jets Sunday pounded at militants in the northwest Orakzai tribal area, killing 20 militants and destroying two militants hideouts, local sources said.

The jets pounded two havens of extremists in Upper Orakzai Agency areas, killing 20 and injuring six others.

The attacking is part of military operation, which has last for almost two months, killing at least 700 extremists and destroying around 80 havens including 20 training centers.

Thousands of troops have been taking part in the Orakzai operation launched in mid-March. The operation has not been much publicized by the army.

The army said that troops have secured important heights in the area and have also seized arms and ammunition. The troops have taken control of most areas of the agency and were advancing towards upper Orakzai.

There is no independent confirmation of the casualties as journalists have no access to the tribal regions.

UN officials say that over 200,000 people have fled Orakzai since the fighting. Officials say that most of the Taliban militants from South Waziristan tribal region have moved into Orakzai agency area.