by Talha Ibrahim
In the latest bid to oust the militants from Tirah valley, Pakistan army launched another tactical offensive which has been successful. According to ISPR sources, Kismet Sanghar, a vital mountainous ridge in Hangu Upper Orakzai Agency, was captured by security forces last night.
In this latest operation, two security personnel embraced martyrdom and three others were injured.
At least 16 militants have been killed in skirmishes, eventually resulting in scores of militants fleeing from the scene leaving behind a huge cache of arms and ammunitions. The ground forces were also supported by a Cobra Gunship helicopter that destroyed three key bunkers of extremists.
The ongoing operation (Raah-e-Shahadat) in Tirah valley is aimed at Lashkar-e-Islam and Tehreek Taliban militants in Khyber Agency. In the last 20 days, the forces have successfully countered these militants in Shaheed Sunghar, Sarkanay, Sheen Qamar and Shungakh Kandawo areas.
In Azgarobanda, a village near Hangu, police raided the house on a tip off, during which 22 people were taken into custoday. According to DPO Hangu, a commander of TTP, Qari Bilal has also been taken into custody.
May Allah be with Pak Army, ameen.
Talha Ebraheem is a research associate at PKKH. He can be reached at ahlatibr@hotmail.com