6 soldiers, 24 militants killed in Pakistan attacks

At least six soldiers and 24 militants were killed today in separate incidents of violence, including gunfights and bombings, in Pakistan's volatile northwest tribal region.
In Shirin Dara area of Orakzai district, militants attacked the army post in Shirin Dara area of Orakzai district, resulting in a gun battle between the terrorists and security forces.
Fifteen militants and two soldiers were killed in the exchange of fire, Dawn News reported.
Six soldiers were also injured in the assault.
Some of the injured security personnel are said to be in critical condition. The attack was successfully repulsed.
Most areas of Orakzai have been cleared of militants but some remote areas are still under their control and they use the hideouts to target the security forces.

In a separate incident, two security officials were killed and three others injured in a bomb blast in Bannu.

A security convoy was the target of the attack. The roadside explosion badly damaged the vehicles.
A remote control bomb blast this morning in Salarzai vicinity of Bajaur Agency killed two levies personnel and injured three others.
In another incident, at least nine militants were killed and 12 others injured in a clash between security forces and militants in the Akakhel area of Bara Agency.
The military has launched an offensive in the northwest tribal region.
Army has said more than 1,100 terrorists were killed in Zarb-i-Azb operation launched against Taliban in North Waziristan in mid-June while around 50 were killed in Khyber-I offensive against militants in the Khyber tribal district.

According to officials, the operation will continue till the extremists are completely wiped out.