MIR ALI: Security forces killed 10 Taliban in Lower Orakzai Agency on Saturday, local administrator Jehanzeb Khan said. Troops raided a terrorists' ammunition depot in Sangra village of Orakzai, killing 10 Taliban, while a soldier was also injured in the clash. Fighter jets later pounded three more hideouts, killing another 10 Taliban, AP quoted Khan as saying.
Orakzai Agency is dominated by the Taliban from the Sirajjuddin Haqqani network, which launches attacks against American and NATO forces across the border in Afghanistan. Washington wants Islamabad to take action against these groups.
The government says it has its hands full with military engagements in other tribal regions, including the Taliban stronghold of South Waziristan. The military has been engaged with the Taliban in Orakzai Agency for the last five weeks.
Clashes like Saturday's are a routine in the Tribal Areas ever since the army launched its offensive in Swat last April to clear the former tourist resort of the Taliban.