LOC14:50
11:50 GMT
ISLAMABAD, July 6 (KUNA) -- A day after a suicide attack on a paramilitary
base in Northwestern Pakistan, the security forces killed at least 23
militants in an operation and also claimed arresting a key Taliban commander
of outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The security forces launched a search operation in Lower Dir district of
Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa province after a group of militants attacked a Scout base
in Balambat area on Monday. A soldier and four militants were killed in the
attack.
Security sources told KUNA that suspected militants attacked troops,
conducting search operation, in Kilyani area. A heavy exchange of fire took
place and about 23 militants were gunned down, said sources.
They said further that the operation was still continuing and that more
than 200 suspects, mostly illegal Afghan refugees, have been nabbed.
Also, the forces claimed arresting a key Taliban commander in Bannu
district of the province, a day after the security forces killed another one
of the most-wanted TTP commanders in a shootout.
Essa Khan, known as Dr. Essa Khan, was arrested during a raid, said police
sources. Dr. Essa is a key commander of TTP. Earlier, on Monday Ameerullah
Mehsud, carrying a head-money of USD 234,000 was arrested in North Waziristan
tribal agency.
He was listed 11 out of 19 most-wanted TTP commanders by the government in
anti-terrorism cases. (end)
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KUNA 061450 Jul 10NNNN