Islamabad, July 23 (IANS) At least 21 militants, including two rebel commanders, were killed Friday in ground and air offensives launched by security forces in northwest Pakistan, Xinhua reported.
The fighting took place in the Orakzai tribal area. Several militant hideouts were destroyed. Twelve militants and two soldiers were injured.
Meanwhile in Hungu district, police defused a 12-kg remote-controlled bomb.
On Thursday, 39 militants were killed in Orakzai and adjoining tribal areas.
The Pakistan Army had declared a victory over the Taliban in June in Orakzai, after a year-long operation.
However, the eruption of fresh clashes has dampened the hopes of some 200,000 displaced people of returning to their homes who had fled the area when anti-insurgency operations intensified a year ago.
