Pakistani fighter jets on Wednesday morning conducted aerial bombing on militant safe havens in country’s lawless North Wazirstan tribal region, killing over 50 militants.
Islamabad, May 21/Nationalturk – A day after a faction of notorious militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for abducting a Chinese national, Pakistani fighter jets Wednesday morning conducted aerial bombing on militant safe havens in country’s lawless North Wazirstan tribal region, killing over 50 militants.
Pakistani security officials said Pakistan air force fighter jets conducted aerial bombing on militant hide-outs and safe haven in Mosaki, Zara Mela and Esorti viallges in Mir Ali tehsil and Miramshah, headquarters of tribal agency North Wazirstan early this morning.
“Many militant hideouts and training centres were blown up in the bombing, causing heavy casualties to the militants. We have reports that over 50 militants including senior commanders and foreign militants were killed in the air raids,” they said.
They said helicopter gunships also fired on militant positions in North Wazirstan.
Pakistan army confirms 32 militant deaths
Pakistan Army’s Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) sources have so far confirmed death of 32 militants including some key commanders and foreign militants.
They said surgical strikes were carried out by fighter jets on intelligence report.
The aerial bombing was carried out a day after a faction of TTP claimed responsibility for abduction of Chinese national and demanded release of some militants in exchange of his release.
Pakistan government is presently involved in talks with TTP but the talks process has been hit due to infighting among the militant group over control of the region.
Pakistan’s security experts said today’s aerial bombing indicates that talks chapter with TTP has been closed and government has decided to target militant hideouts to put pressure on militant leadership to resume dialogue with the government and give up conditions.
The expressed apprehension that the militant group might try to avenge the aerial strikes by carrying out attacks on soft targets in the country.
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Asia News/ NationalTurk Pakistan News
