47 people including senior cleric killed in Army shelling in Orakzai

Islamabad, June 12 (ANI): At least 47 people, including women and children, as well as a senior cleric were killed in shelling by helicopter gunships and planes in the Hangu district and Orakzai Agency on Thursday.

The gun ships targeted the seminaries and militants' camps in the region, reportedly killing several militants also.

District Nazim Khan Afzal confirmed reports that Maulana Mohammad Amin, Deputy Chairman of the Sunni Supreme Council was among the people killed in the strike.

According to a military official, the seminary which was attacked by the security forces, was also used to carry out sectarian attacks and to shelter miscreants involved in kidnappings.

He said there was information that innocent people were being slaughtered in the seminary.

He added that there were about 40 terrorists in the seminary at the time of the attack, The Dawn reports.

The officer also said that Maulana Amin had close links with several militant commanders operating in the region. (ANI)