At least 14 militants were killed and 17 others injured on Wednesday in a ground and air assault by security forces in lower Orakzai agency. Security forces backed by helicopters shelled militants hideouts in lower Orakzai agency and destroyed five compounds in the bombardment. A security personnel also was injured. Military sources said that the army faced no tough resistance and have secured important positions in the area, while the militants are escaping. Pakistani military after ending its successful offensive in South Waziristan tribal agency last year shifted its focus to Orakzai agency, which is believed to be a global hub for militants. The United States authorities have publicly praised Pakistan efforts to take on Taliban in the tribal region, which America considers as the center of Taliban and al-Qaeda remnants, from where they plot attacks against US and NATO troops in neighboring Afghanistan.
