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15 extremists killed, vital mountain tops secured
7:55 AM | 
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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan's army said Sunday troops after "intense" efforts had captured an important mountain in a major anti-Taliban offensive in the northwestern tribal area near the Afghan border."Today after intense engagements security forces secured the significant mountain top of Tarkona Narai after an effort lasting 16 hours," the military said in a statement.
Troops advanced further on militant positions a day after overrunning Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud's hometown of Kotkai, securing important ridges, it said.
"In last 24 hours, 15 terrorists have been killed during security forces operation in South Waziristan. Security forces losses are one soldier martyred and three injured," the statement said.
Pakistan launched the offensive in the semi-autonomous South Waziristan region on October 17 and the army says nearly 200 militants and some two dozens of troops have been killed since then.
After securing Kotkai Town, security forces advancing further have secured important ridge, point 1125 north of Shishwam and also secured an important feature 1 Km west of Gharlai which is 2 Kms north of Kotkai. Terrorists have fled from the area and are firing sporadic rockets at positions of security forces from distant heights.
The security forces secured forward ridges of Kaskai 3 Kms north west of Kotkai.
The battle to secure Tarkona Narai the highest feature on important Junction east of Sherwangi commenced yesterday finally achieved success and has been completely secured. The mountain top had 4 strong points and series of bunkers.
Besides killing 4 terrorists on the mountain top itself, a fleeing terrorists vehicle carrying 8 terrorists was engaged and destroyed, killing all 8 terrorists. During this operation, a Non Commissioned Officer embraced shahadat and 3 soldiers injured.
During search of a compound in area south west of Sherwangi 3 terrorists were killed and a gun, 8 rockets, 18 x 60 mm mortar bombs and 8 x 82 mm mortar bombs have been recovered.
At least 6 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces in Pushtanai, and Derai areas of Swat. The security forces conducted search operation at Sakrano Khwar near Shalpin, Mangaltan and apprehended 5 suspects.
On a tip off, security forces apprehended a wanted suicide bomber from village Kuz Durshkhela near Khawazakhela.
At about 1745 hours on 24 October, 1 x MI-17 Helicopter while on dumping mission crash landed due to technical fault at Nawapass. Resultantly 6 soldiers (3 x Aviation and 3 x FC) embraced shahadat. Pilots of the helicopter got injured but are safe and out of danger.
The security forces continued relief operation as well all this while, as at least 299 ton of mix rations from Army have been distributed amongst IDPs of D I Khan.
As many as 10 trucks carrying 50 ton mix rations have been distributed at Wana. Also, 6,541 cash cards have been distributed amongst the displaced families of Waziristan.
