Pakistan jets kill 32 militants in tribal region

Islamabad, May 21: At least 32 militants, including key commanders, were killed today in precision air strikes at the hideouts of the Taliban in Pakistan's restive tribal region near the Afghan border, officials said.

The air force bombers this morning pounded rebel positions in North Waziristan, which is one of seven tribal agencies where al-Qaeda linked Taliban has strongholds.

A military official said that "32 terrorists" were killed in these attacks including some important commanders.

"There are confirmed reports that terrorists involved in recent attacks including IDP (internally displaced people) camp blast in Peshawar, IED (improvised explosives device) attacks in Mohmand and Bajaur killing innocent civilians and security forces and IED attacks at security forces convoy in NWA (North Waziristan Agency), were hiding in these hideouts," said the official.

Pakistan army has adopted a policy of aerial strikes in response to bombings by Taliban. Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif had announced tough response to Taliban's attacks against the security forces and civilians.

Use of aerial strikes was put on hold after announcement of talks by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif government in January but negotiation are stalled and Taliban have resorted to bombings, forcing the army to launch air attacks.

PTI