Pakistan army kill 6 militants in fresh clash

At least six militants were killed and four hideouts of the militants were destroyed Wednesday in a fresh clash in the ongoing security operation in northwest Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal region, local TV channel reported.

The forces killed six militants in operations in Makeen, Ladha and Shakai areas while seven others were injured in fighting, the private TV ARY News reported.

The troops have taken control of the mountainous region of Bush Ziarat and continued advancement after taking control of Makeen, the main base of Taliban militants.

Meanwhile, at least 10 militants were killed and several others injured on Wednesday in air strike in northwest Pakistan's Mohmand tribal agency.

According to sources, Pakistani security forces gunship helicopters pounded militants hideouts in Bedmanai, Ghanum Shah and Sarakhawa areas in Mohmand tribal agency, leaving 10 militants dead.

On the other hand, at least 13 suspects were arrested during search operation in Kohat, the main city of North West Frontier Province. They were shifted to undisclosed location for investigations.

Pakistani security forces launched the ground assault on Oct. 17 in the South Waziristan, advancing towards the main base of Taliban militants in Pakistan. The army said that about 30,000 soldiers are in place to take on an estimated 10,000 hard-core Taliban militants in the lawless area.

The military said that the operation was launched in six towns of the area in three directions and is likely to continue for six to eight weeks, but no final deadline can be given.

Source: Xinhua