Pakistan military prepares to launch offensive in Orakzai Agency

Islamabad, Jan. 13 (ANI): In an apparent preparation to launch a military offensive against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Pakistani military has closed all routes to the Orakzai Agency.

According to the Dawn, the military moved security forces into key positions in Orakzai, the former headquarters of Pakistani Taliban chief Hakeemullah Mehsud and a group headed by Tariq Afridi of Darra Adamkhel.

The closed routes to the region would be manned by Frontier Corps check posts.

Tribesmen in Orakzai have extended support in the counter-insurgency drive, the report said.

Troops have taken position in the villages, both in upper and lower areas of Orakzai to protect the tribesmen.

Sources said that the decision to launch an operation was reached after officials received information that most of the suicide bombers sent to strike Peshawar, Hangu, Darra Adamkhel, Lahore and Islamabad were trained in Orakzai.

Over 30 pro-government tribesmen as well as Taliban militants have died in clashes in the past two weeks in Orakzai. (ANI)