27 killed after fighter jets bomb Taliban hideout in Swat

Mingora, Oct 20 : At least 27 people, including two commanders and 25 other Taliban were killed after fighter jets destroyed a suspected Taliban hideout on Sunday.

According to a security official, the two Taliban leaders killed in the air strike in Matta tehsil were closely associated with pro-Taliban cleric Fazlullah. "An ammunition dump at their hideout also exploded," The Daily Times quoted the official, as saying.

According to residents, houses were also destroyed in the attack.

Similarly, seven Taliban were killed when jets bombed suspected hideouts in Loyesam, Zorbandar, Sar Lara, and Enzara areas of Khar tehsil and Sawai, Tangai, Dabara and Zarnawoo areas in Mohaman tehsil in Bajaur.

According to sources, three Taliban were killed in other parts of Bajaur when they tried to attack security posts.

Meanwhile, three Taliban and a soldier were killed when a security forces convoy was attacked by the Taliban in Kabal tehsil.

"A soldier was martyred and three Taliban were killed after a convoy was hit by a roadside bomb and a clash followed," an official said.

Residents said that a total of four civilians were killed in the ambush and the airstrikes, but the military did not confirm any civilian deaths.

ANI