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Pakistan army kills 48 militants in tribal regions: spokesman

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Aug 28, IRNA
Pakistan-Fighting
Pakistani security forces have killed 47 militants in two tribal regions, the army said on Wednesday.

The army, backed by gunship helicopters, stepped up operation against militants in the South Waziristan and Bajaur tribal regions and bombed positions of militants.

"Eleven militants have been killed and 15-20 injured in an exchange of fire with security forces in South Waziristan Agency," an army statement said.

It said that up to 100 militants attacked a fort of security forces and a bridge at Tiarza area in South Waziristan Agency and the security Forces responded effectively and repulsed the attack.

Army spokesman Major Murad claimed that that the forces bombed positions of Taliban in Bajaur and killed 37 militants. However, sources in the area put the death toll at four. One civilian is among those killed.

Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar denied the army claim and said no militant was killed in the Wednesday fighting. He said that the security forces are making claims to create panic among the people.

Local tribesmen torched a base of Taliban as reaction to the killing of two tribal elders in Bajaur. Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar had denied any involvement in the killing of the tribal elders.

Murad said that artillery was also used to hit Taliban positions at Kotki and Pashat areas of Bajaur. He said that dozens of militants were killed when the gunship helicopters attacked them inside a basic health unit.

The army spokesman claimed that several foreign militants were also among those killed, adding that seven militants were also killed in Nawagai village. There was no independent confirmation of army's claim.

Eye witnesses said that the army also used fighter planes against the militants, but some shells also landed at houses. They said that bombing was more intense in recent days.

In Wana, the center of South Waziristan, armed Taliban attacked army vehicles and the forces launched a counter attack.

Locals said that the army used gunship helicopters and artillery against the militants, led by Maulvi Nazeer.

The authorities imposed curfew and asked the people through loudspeakers to stay indoors.

Army spokesman Major Murad said that 11 militants were killed.

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