Taliban leader escapes as 18 militants killed in Pakistan's Orakzai

ISLAMABAD. April 1. KAZINFORM Pakistani Taliban leader Mulla Toofan made a narrow escape, leaving behind his vehicle while the death toll of militants rose to 18 on Thursday, as the security forces' offensive continued in northwest Pakistan's Orakzai tribal area, Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

photo: QAZINFORM

Mulla Toofan was in command of the Taliban militants in Orakzai agency. Earlier he was rumored to have been killed in a military assault.

Meanwhile, three vehicles of militants were also destroyed by gunship helicopters during the ongoing operation in Orazkai, local sources said.

On late Wednesday night, Taliban commander Ziaur Rehman was killed in a shootout between different tribes in Orakzai. Another six terrorists were also killed in security forces offensive, Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com for full version.