RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: The security forces killed 17 militants in an exchange of fire with them in Khyber agency, one of Pakistan’s seven semi-autonomous tribal districts near the Afghan border.
In a statement on Saturday, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that about 50 to 60 militants tried to attack a check post in Spin Qamar area of Khyber agency.
However, the security forces effectively responded to the attack and killed 17 militants in the exchange of fire.
The Pakistan’s military has been carrying out an operation ‘Khyber-1’ since last month against the banned militant group Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) in Khyber agency.
The operation ‘Khyber-1’ was launched amidst a full-fledged military operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ being conducted against the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militants in the North Waziristan tribal region since June 15.
On Friday, the Mullah Fazlullah-led TTP announced to join hands with the LI, stating that it would send men to fight along with LI militants in the Khyber tribal region.
