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32 Taliban killed in anti-Mehsud battle
 Security forces backed by jet fighters and artillery have killed at least 32 Taliban in South Waziristan while an officer and five jawans lost their lives in preparation for the launch of Operation Rah-e-Nijat against Baitullah Mehsud, the military said on Saturday.Saturday's clashes helped the forces take control of a road linking Sarwaki and Tanai -- two key towns in South Waziristan -- advancing towards the strongholds of Baitullah. "We have secured the road following heavy pounding of the Taliban positions by jet aircraft, helicopter gunships and long-range artillery," military sources told Daily Times. Sources close to the Taliban in Tank city confirmed the Taliban's losses, saying the "retreat was tactical. The forces have taken control of the highway linking Sarwaki with Tanai". Although the army has not announced a formal start of full-scale operations in South Waziristan, officials said troops are already occupying strategic positions in the region. Malakand: Eight Taliban, meanwhile, were killed in Malakand division where the army is combing areas in the Swat, Buner and Lower Dir districts, a military statement read. In Swat, the security forces secured Kotlai, Chungai, Zarakhela and commenced an operation towards Dagai. During exchange of fire with Taliban, a solider was injured. "Terrorists ambushed a security forces vehicle ... resultantly three soldiers [were martyred while] seven others were injured," the military said. Security forces were ambushed at Hilal Khel in Bajaur leading to heavy exchange of fire with the Taliban, the military said, adding that two soldiers were martyred and another six injured. Posted by: 2009-06-21 |
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