Islamabad: At least 21 suspected terrorists were killed in an operation by Pakistani security forces on Friday in Tirah Valley in northwestern Khyber Agency tribal area, the state radio reported.
Quoting official sources, Radio Pakistan said the security forces backed by gun-ship helicopters destroyed four hideouts of terrorists.
At least 21 militants were killed in the operations, the report said.
Khyber Agency is one of the seven tribal districts located along the Afghan border and air strikes have been carried out there from time to time to eliminate militants.
Neighbouring North Waziristan has been the main focus of a military offensive launched in June last year.
According to the military, well over 3,000 have been killed so far in the North Waziristan region while more than 90 per cent of the area has been cleared of militants.
Campaign
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said on Friday that Pakistan has become safer as a result of the effective campaign against terrorism.
Speaking during a meeting of the a Senate standing committee, the minister said operation Zarb-e-Azb and ongoing crackdown on criminals in southern Karachi have significantly contributed to improving the law and order situation.
The minister said the world has appreciated Pakistan’s role and acknowledged its achievements and sacrifices in the war against terror.
