Pakistan army hits militant hideouts for 3rd day
Iran Press TV
Fri May 23, 2014 9:24AM GMT
Four pro-Taliban militants have been killed by Pakistani armed forces in a third day of military action in the country's tribal region close to the border with Afghanistan.
The military used mortars and helicopter gunships on Friday to hit the militants' hideouts in North Waziristan.
"Security forces fired mortar shells from Miranshah fort on the adjacent areas of Machis camp, Kharwani and Sukhail Wazir Friday morning, followed by pounding suspected militant hideouts with gunship helicopters," an intelligence official based in Miranshah said.
Five other militants were also arrested on Friday.
Miranshah is the main town of North Waziristan and Machis camp is a neighborhood on its outskirts. It had been a camp for Afghan refugees but is currently believed to be used by militants.
The operation marked the third day of fighting in the area, which started on May 21 with airstrikes and ground clashes. More than 70 militants as well as four security personnel were killed in the skirmishes.
The offensive was launched after the pro-Taliban militants ended a ceasefire that had originally been called to promote talks with the Pakistani government. Islamabad began talks with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) through intermediaries in February. The ceasefire began on March 1.
Pro-Taliban militants have carried out numerous attacks against security forces as well as civilians, and managed to spread their influence in various regions of the country, despite sporadic offensives by the Pakistani army.
Thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives in bombings and other militant attacks since 2001 when Pakistan entered an alliance with the US on the so-called war on terror. Thousands more have been displaced by the wave of violence and militancy sweeping across the country.
MR/HJL/HMV
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