Wana (Pakistan), Sep 13 (IANS) Pakistani security forces have killed at least 30 tribal militants in fresh clashes in troubled South Waziristan along the border with Afghanistan.
The clashes occurred Wednesday in Makeen area in which gunmen with automatic weapons and rockets attacked several check posts of the security forces, Geo News reported Thursday quoting army officials.
Army spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad said security forces deployed helicopters and gunships during the operation, adding that 10 paramilitary troopers sustained injuries in the engagement. Local TV channels however reported that security forces lost ten of their men in the operation.
The Makeen clashes came a day after the security forces claimed to have killed 40 militants in the federally administered South Waziristan where the tribal militants have been holding more than 250 security troops hostage from Aug 30. A peace council of tribal elders has been trying to secure the release of the captured soldiers.