RECORDER REPORT

RAWALPINDI: As many as 60 militants were killed in air and ground offensive of armed forces after terrorists attacked army checkposts in the volatile northwest tribal region.

Militants attacked checkposts in Shindara and Khazana Kandao in Orakzai Agency near the Afghan border and Pakistani troops repulsed the assault, killing 20 militants and injuring 20 others.

Spokesman for Pak Army, Maj-Gen Asim Bajwa, stated that on Friday night security forces ambushed a large assembly of terrorists on the border of Orakzai and Khyber agencies in Khazana Kandao & Shirin Darra. An intense battle took place, in which 16 terrorists were killed and 20 injured. Fleeing terrorists left behind 9 bodies of their accomplices, while two seriously wounded terrorists were apprehended. Four soldiers were also injured in exchange of fire.

Meanwhile, 39 militants, including two terrorist commanders, were killed in air strikes by Pakistani fighter jets in the restive Dattakhel area. "Yesterday Dattakhel strikes; took out huge UG ammo depot, explosions heard even by pilots. Death toll rises to 39 incl 2 Terrorist comds," Asim Bajwa tweeted.