Pakistan: 17 Taliban men killed in Orakzai

At least 17 Taliban militants were killed on Friday in a fresh assault by Pakistani security forces on a Taliban stronghold in the volatile Orakzai tribal region, official sources said.

The troops targeted a militant stronghold located at Sanghar in Orakzai Agency.

Besides the 17 militants killed, one Taliban fighter was captured by the security forces, sources said. There were no reports of casualties among the security forces.

Security officials have claimed over 300 militants have been killed since troops launched an offensive against the Taliban in Orakzai Agency last month.

The figures cannot be independently verified as journalists are barred from the conflict zone.