Khar, Sept 14 : In a fresh crackdown on radical Islamist militants in Pakistan, the country’s Army today claimed to have gunned down more than 70 terrorists in the Bajaur Agency. Eight Pakistani soldiers were also killed in the cross firing, sources said.

Around 25 militants were injured in the crackdown, they added.

According to the Daily Times, six terrorists were killed and five injured when a helicopter gunship attacked the vehicle carrying them to Mohmand Agency. However, a military spokesman, Major Murad Khan, told a foreign news agency, “we killed 72 militants, while eight of our soldiers have died in Bajaur since Wednesday.”

The sources said that security forces attacked the Loyesam, Tangkhata, Rashakai, Khazana, Banda, Glukas, Baichina and Kerala areas of Khar tehsil with heavy artillery, tanks, gunship helicopters and fighter jets, destroying “several” terrorists’ hideouts.

Meanwhile, media reports suggested that there were reports that security forces were preparing for an advance towards terrorist strongholds in Nawagai and Chamrkand tehsils after having captured “the most important” terrorist stronghold of Loyesam.

The terrorists, according to the sources, are resisting the forces’ advance towards the central areas of Loyesam.

On the other hand, people affected by the insurgency in tribal areas continued to flee. According to official statistics, around 120,000 people have already left the Bajaur agency due to the ongoing military operation, added the paper. (ANI)