Five militants killed in Pak tribal belt

At least five pro-Taliban militants were killed on Thursday in clashes with security forces in Pakistan's restive northwestern Orakzai tribal region, officials said.

At least five pro-Taliban militants were killed on Thursday in clashes with security forces in Pakistan's restive northwestern Orakzai tribal region, officials said.

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The clashes erupted when militants tried to halt advancing forces in the Taliban strongholds of Sanghra and Mashti Mela in Orakzai, they said.

Five militants were killed in these clashes, the officials said.

In a separate incident, militants blew up a state-run health centre at Akhonkot in Mamozai area of Orakzai tribal agency.

Pakistani security forces have claimed to have killed over 300 militants since an offensive was launched last month to flush the Taliban out of Orakzai.

The figure cannot be independently confirmed as journalists are barred from reporting from the conflict zone.