Army on Wednesday wound up an operation in a north-western town near the Afghan border after clearing the area of Taliban forces, the military said. Authorities launched an offensive in Hangu last week after insurgents occupying the area killed 17 paramilitary troops in an ambush.
"The operation has been wound up after clearing the area of militants and destroying their hideouts," chief military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told AFP. He said "at least 20 militants were killed and 16 troops embraced martyrdom during the week-long operation."
He added: "Sixty militants were also arrested during the operation, which has achieved all objectives." Asked how long the army would stay in the area after completing the operation, he said: "It is up to the provincial government to decide for how long the troops should be present in the district."