46 Taliban killed in military operation | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

46 Taliban killed in military operation

PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: At least 46 Taliban were killed in various strikes during the military operation against the Taliban in the Tribal Areas and Swat on Sunday.

Military jets and artillery pounded suspected Taliban hideouts in Bajaur Agency, killing 27 Taliban, officials said. Elsewhere in the region, a local militia killed seven suspected Taliban.

Two local government officials, Iqbal Khan and Nawaz Khan, said bombs dropped from planes on targets in Salarzai town killed 13 Taliban. In nearby Charmang, shelling killed 14 Taliban, the officials said.

At least 12 Taliban were killed and seven injured as jet aircraft bombed four Taliban centres in Makeen, Kani Garam, Badar and Molai Khan Sarai areas in South Waziristan. The security forces made further inroads into the Mehsud territory in the agency.

At least seven Taliban were killed and 16 others arrested, while five soldiers were injured in the operation in Malakand, the ISPR said in an update.

A clash took place at Langer in Khawazakhela in which one Taliban was killed and six were arrested. The army also seized grenades, weapons and communication equipment.

More weapons, including grenades and rocket launchers, were seized in another clash in which six Taliban were killed and 10 apprehended, the ISPR said.

The forces set up a checkpost at Akhun Kalle Road in Dadhran. Taliban raided a security forces vehicle on the Dakorak-Allahbad road and injured five soldiers.

Army also secured areas around Peochar, Kharkai, Kharkarai and Biha. Intense fighting between the military and the Taliban took place in Biha valley south of Chuprial.

The security forces secured areas around Barko Sar, Roringar, Nalkot, Wainai, Bartana and Pushtunat. They also commenced a clearance operation in Tirang, Thana, Allahdand and Batkhela.

In South Waziristan, the army also began an operation to secure the road from Tanai to Sarwaki that the Taliban had blocked.

Source: Daily Times

Date:6/22/2009