18 militants killed as attack on Kurram Agency checkpost repulsed

KALAYA: Security forces on Thursday repulsed an attack on a checkpost near the border with Afghanistan in the lower parts of Kurram Agency, killing around 18 militants in the subsequent clash, official sources said.

They said that a group of 50-60 militants stormed a security checkpost in the Mangora Sar area of Kurram Agency on the Pak-Afghan border with heavy arms early in the day. They said the personnel of security forces manning the checkpost returned the fire and 18 militants were killed in the ensuing gunbattle.

Six militants were also injured in the clash which continued for quite some time, they added.The sources said security forces forced the militants to retreat, leaving behind their weapons and ammunition. However, they said the fleeing militants took along their injured accomplices.Security forces took control of the area soon after the attack and launched a search operation.