ORAKZAI AGENCY: Twenty-five militants have been killed as jet fighters on Thursday targeted militant hideouts in upper Orakzai Agency.

Earlier in the morning a security forces convoy was targeted in Nadar Mela with an IED, which resulted in the death of one soldier while three others were injured.

Assistant political agent Rafiq Mohmand told Dawn.Com that the militant stronghold of Gundai Mela in Mamozai has been taken over by security forces. Eight militants were killed during the offensive.

He said that during air strikes in Inzar Mela, Jandri Kalle and Adu Khel area of Mamozai, four militant hideouts were destroyed while 12 militants were also killed, adding “those killed are mostly affiliated with the TTP.”

Five militants were also killed in another clash.

Officials also believe that the fall of Gundai Mela to the security forces is a huge success due to the strategic location of the village.

The adjoining mountainous region, near the Dogar village of Kurram Agency, is also a key weapon supply route for Orakzai militants.

However security forces, after taking over key villages in the TTP stronghold of Mamozai, are not advancing to the areas bordering Kurram Agency and Tirah Valley.