Nine militants killed in military offensive in South Waziristan.

WANA, November 05, 2009 (Frontier Star): At least 9 militants were killed and 4 other received serious injuries during fierce clashes with security forces in South Waziristan where operation Rah-e-Nijat is in full swing. Heavy clashes between security forces backed by gunship helicopters and Pakistan Air Force (PAF)s fighter jet planes and militants are underway in Makeen, Laddha and Aasman Minza areas of the troubled South Waziristan agency. The troops, after intense battle, have secured key stronghold of Taliban insurgents, and advancing towards Makeen, Laddha and Aasman Minza with heavy bombardment by gunship helicopters and jet fighters. At least 9 extremists were killed and four injured in fresh clashes here, sources maintained. The Pakistan Army on Wednesday laid siege to Laddha town during the ongoing operation, on a day that saw fierce street battles with the Taliban. The army also cleared major part of Sararogaha, where they killed at least 16 Taliban. Seven soldiers were injured in the fighting. They also secured Prato Narai and Point 16242, west of Sararogaha. Hundreds of militants have been seeking refuge in separate parts of Kurram Agency, Orakzai Agency and South Waziristan Agency since yesterday following entry of security forces troops into Laddah, a militants stronghold, sources added. The tunnel road linking Kurram and South Waziristan Agencies has been blocked to prevent militants refuge into adjoining areas, sources concluded.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)