100 militants killed in Ghazni, Paktika

GARDEZ (PAN militants have been killed during a two-week security operation in southern Ghazni and southeastern Paktika provinces, an official said on Wednesday.

The joint offensive codenamed “Dragon”, launched on July 2, concluded on Wednesday, the 203rd Thunder Military Corps commander in Paktia, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Sharif Yaftali, told a news conference in Gardez, the capital of Paktia province.

Yaftali said a hundred militants were killed and dozens wounded during the offensive that resulted in the seizure of heavy and light weapons.

Also featuring NATO-led troops, the offensive targeted Ander, Qarabagh and Giru districts of Ghazni. It also covered Khoshamand, Kherkot and Yousaf Khel districts of Paktika.

But Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said he was unaware of the operation and the military claim about insurgent casualties.

mm/ma/mud