A series of fierce clashes between military troops and militants have claimed the lives of at least ten people in the violence-wracked northwestern region of Pakistan.
Dozens of heavily-armed militants attacked checkposts in Khyber tribal region on Wednesday. Local officials said at least eight militants and two soldiers were killed in the ensuing battles in the troubled region.
“The attack took place on posts near Bara Rriver. Forces successfully repulsed the attack after heavy fighting,” a security official said, adding, “Eight militants were killed during the exchange of fire. Two soldiers also got martyred while four others have sustained injuries.”
Meanwhile, heavily-armed militants launched an attack on the prison in the town of Dera Ismail Khan and walked away with dozens of senior Taliban commanders.
The Pakistani army has launched several fresh operations in the troubled northwestern and southwestern regions in a bid to flush out militants from the volatile areas.
Despite the Pakistani government’s operations against Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and associated groups, they have still been able to spread their influence in various regions of the country and kill thousands of people.
Thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives in bombings and other militant attacks since 2001 when Pakistan entered an alliance with the United States on the so-called war against terrorism, according to local media.
Thousands others have been displaced by the wave of violence and militancy sweeping across the country.
Since late 2009, there has been a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan.
JR/KA
Republished from: Press TV