LOC10:36
07:36 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- At least five militants were killed and three
others were wounded on Thursday in a landmine explosion in Pakistani tribal
agency, bordering Afghanistan, said sources.
The incident took place in Mandi area of Central Kurram tribal agency.
Security sources told KUNA that a militants vehicle overran a landmine that
killed five of them and wounded about three others.
Local tribal sources said that it was a roadside remote-controlled blast
and targeted at a local militant commander Hakim Khan. They said the explosion
killed commander Hakim Khan and four others.
The incident took place amid reports of latest peace efforts by Talibans
Haqqani network in the agency, where tribal and government authorities have
also been striving to establish peace between various sectarian groups for
past three years. It is pertinent to mention here that Haqqani network has
been target of recently intensified US drone strikes in North Waziristan
tribal agency. Kurram agency for its close proximity with Afghanistan is of
vital strategic importance.
Military has been conducting operation in the area against local militants
since February. Dozens of militants have been killed and arrested and their
camps destroyed. (end)
amn.mt
KUNA 211036 Oct 10NNNN