Pakistan ‘regaining control’ of tribal north
Army claims gains in operation to clear northwestern Kurram Agency from Taliban and secure main road.
Pakistani forces have increased their fire power in the country’s northwestern tribal areas in efforts to regain control of the region.
The military says 11 fighters were killed in the operation to clear the area of Taliban members and secure the crucial road that connects the Kurram Agency to the rest of the country.
The road from Parachinar, the administrative capital of Kurram, has been closed off for almost three years due to sectarian violence and the increased presence of Taliban fighters.
Convoys have repeatedly been attacked and travellers have been taken hostage.
The local population in Parachinar has criticised the Pakistani army for not doing enough to ensure their safety.
As Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder reports from Kurram Agency, the military is making progress in regaining control of the area.