60 militants killed in Pakistan's tribal area operation

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces killed at least 60 militants in the last 24 hours in the military operation in the country's tribal area of South Waziristan, the military said Sunday in a press release.

Pakistan Army troops prepare to leave for patrolling during a curfew in Bannu, a town on the edge of Pakistan's lawless tribal belt Waziristan, Saturday,  Oct. 17, 2009.(Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Five soldiers were also killed and 11 others were injured in the operation coded as Rah-e-Nijat, path of salvation, according to the press release.

Six 12.7-mm anti-aircraft gun positions of the militants have been destroyed in different areas and one 12.7-mm gun position has been captured in Wuzi Sar area, it said, adding that a lot of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or mines have been recovered.

A number of vehicles under use of the militants have been destroyed. Due to security forces advance, it said, militants are vacating their posts or areas leaving behind arms and ammunition.

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