Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

70 militants killed in military offensive: minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, April 29,IRNA---Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Tuesday that 70 militants have been killed in the three-day military offensives in Lower Dir district.

The security forces launched major operation on Saturday a day after the militants attacked a convoy of security forces.

Malik told reporters that the security forces will continue operation unless the militants lay down arms.

The army is using gunship helicopters and heavy artillery to flush out militants, officials said.

A large number of people have fled the area to safe places, locals said.

Malik said that around 450 Taliban-militants are still present in Buner district despite their earlier announcement to vacate the area. He warned action against them if they refused to leave.