90 militants killed in anti-Taliban offensive in Pak

Islamabad, June 10: Over 90 militants were killed in raging battles in Pakistan's lawless northwest as security forces today pounded Taliban positions to provide crucial back-up to a tribal militia taking on the insurgents.

The military said troops had engaged militant positions at Janikhel in Bannu district with heavy fire and a "clearance operation" was underway in Zaidi Akbar Khan area.

There was no official word on casualties in fighting in this region though Geo News channel said over 70 militants were killed in operations at Bakakhel and Janikhel areas of Bannu bordering restive Waziristan tribal agency.

Another 23 militants and two soldiers were killed in Malakand and Dir during the past 24 hours, the military said. Twelve soldiers, including two officers, were also injured.

The military described Janikhel as the "staging area of all militants operating in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Kohat and Peshawar".

It said between 600 and 800 militants had entered Janikhel from Miranshah and Razmak in North Waziristan tribal region, a stronghold of the Taliban.

These militants planned to strike at different places in the North West Frontier Province, the military said. Security forces patrolled Bannu city today while militant strongholds were shelled by helicopter gunships and heavy artillery. PTI