Military offensive continues against militants in Pakistan; 80 killed so far

By Farzana Shah-Asian Tribune correspondent in Pakistan

Peshawar, 04 May, (Asiantribune.com): So far 80 militants have been killed in military offensive against Taliban in northwest Buner district, says Pakistan army sources.

‘In the Buner operation so far, 80 militants have been killed while three soldiers embraced shahadat (martyrdom) and eight others were injured,’ the military said.

‘Reportedly militant commander Khalil has been killed in the Buner operation. His real name is Alam Buneri and he was a mainstream leader of the banned organization TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan).’

Operation Commander in Buner briefed the media.

Meanwhile, Operation Commander in Buner Brigadier Fayyaz told reporters in Daggar that at least nine would-be suicide bombers have been arrested and 21 killed.

They made this attempt riding vehicles, motorcycles and some even on foot. The operation commander briefing the media told that Dagar and adjoining areas have been wiped out of miscreants, while operation against Taliban has been planned at Dir Baba and Sultan Bukhsh.

He said that Swat residents among the militants count less, as mostly belong to Waziristan, Tajik and Uzbek. He said that only three security men were martyred and six injured in the operation.

He said pockets of militants still exist as the security forces continued to face resistance.

Helicopter gunships and ground troops have been pounding militant hideouts in Buner and neighbouring Lower Dir district in a nearly week-long assault against Taliban insurgents.

Meanwhile armed militants ransacked a bank in Timergara and kidnapped a Policeman in Chakdara area of Lower Dir.

In Maidan area militants set ablaze a residence of a policeman and kidnapped his son.

Security forces claim inflicting heavy casualties on militants in the ensuing gun battle in Maidan.

- Asian Tribune -