Islamabad, Nov 09: Six persons were killed and three
others injured when NATO jets and artillery operating from
Afghanistan bombarded militant positions in Pakistan's restive
northwestern Khyber tribal region on Sunday.
The jets and artillery targeted militant positions at
Tirah valley in Khyber Agency following an exchange of fire
between rebels and Afghan security forces deployed on the
border, TV channels quoted officials as saying.
At least six persons were killed and three others injured
in the Tirah region, the officials said.
The exchange of fire between the militants and Afghan
security forces on the border continued for some time,
creating tension in the area.
US drones operating from Afghanistan have carried out a
series of missile strikes in Pakistan's tribal belt in the
past few months, killing dozens of people, including top Al
Qaida and Taliban militants.
Many civilians, including women and children, have also
died in these attacks, which the Pakistan government has
described as a violation of the country's sovereignty.
Pakistan has called on the US to stop such attacks
immediately, saying only its armed forces have the right to
act against militants within its territory.
Pak forces kill 13 ultras
At least 13 militants were killed
when combat jets and artillery pounded Taliban positions in
Pakistan's troubled Bajaur tribal region today, officials said.
The security forces pounded militant hideouts in Dama
Dola, Mamoond and Kharkey, all strongholds of the local Taliban
in Bajaur Agency, officials of the army and local
administration said.
Six militant bases and an arms depot were destroyed during
the offensive, they said. The security forces said they had
killed 15 militants yesterday.
The Pakistan Army has claimed to have killed over 1,500
militants since it launched an operation in Bajaur in August.
Nearly 200,000 people have been displaced by the fighting and
many of them are now living in refugee camps in the adjoining
North West Frontier Province.
Officials said fresh contingent of troops arrived in
Bajaur today to intensify operations against the Taliban.
Tribal elders have called on the government to step up its
offensive to eliminate militants from the region.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, November 09, 2008, 00:00