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Over 20 people killed as Pakistani jets throw bombs

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Oct 19, IRNA

Pakistan-Bombardment

Over 20 people were killed and scores others injured on Sunday as Pakistani fighter planes bombed houses and a mosque thought to be used suspected militants in the country's northwest, witnesses said.

State run television also reported heavy bombing of positions of the militants in Swat valley.

Witnesses, who fled the bombing areas of Barthana and Shur, said bombing destroyed several houses and a mosque, burring many people under the rubbles.

They said locals pulled some 22 bodies of the rubbles and are searching if there is any injured or dead under the debris.

Witnesses, who arrived at the town of Matta, said that the bombing started at 8 a.m., forcing them to flee.

Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan confirmed the bombing and said several militants were injured.

He said army's fighter planes started bombing at 8 a.m., and continued for an hour. He said that 'houses of civilians' were targeted.

Local correspondents said that a house of a local Taliban commander Alam Khan and a nearby mosque were hit.

They said the mosque was also completely destroyed in the attack.

The aerial bombing created panic among the local population and they started fleeing on foot and in vehicles to other areas.

The army spokesman in Swat confirmed fighter planes bombed position of the militants but did not say anything about the casualties.

The army had also claimed on Saturday of killing 60 fighters and wounding many others in Swat.

The fresh offensive coincided with the unscheduled visit of a top US diplomat to Pakistan, who held talks with Interior Ministry advisor Rehman Malik on security situation.

Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher will hold talks with political leaders on Sunday, sources said.

US has hailed military offensive against the militants, although majority of lawmakers in the on-going in-camera joint session of the parliament called for end to military operations.