PESHAWAR:
At least 54 suspected militants belonging to a pro-Taliban outfit, including its spokesman, were today killed when Pakistani fighter jets pounded their hideouts and troops clashed with the insurgents in the volatile northwest tribal region near the Afghan border.
At least 30 militants were killed and two ammunition depots were destroyed in the aerial strikes that were carried out in remote Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency where militants of Lashkar-i-Islam have strongholds, Pakistan Army said in a statement.
The dead also included some foreign ultras in the airstrikes in the area where a major military campaign is underway.
There were unconfirmed reports that Lashkar-i-Islam spokesman Salahuddin Ayubi, was among the dead. The outfit announced an allegiance to the Taliban earlier this month.
The toll could not be verified through independent sources as the region is out of reach of media.
Security forces source said jets bombed militants’ compounds in the valley and destroyed several hideouts.
Six militants were also injured in the latest bombings.
At least eight suspected militants were killed in a separate military operation in Orakzai tribal region, the Dawn reported.
Security forces targeted the militants after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Sabak area of Orakzai.
In a yet separate raid, at least 16 militants including a commander were killed in clashes with the security forces in Shabak area of Lower Kurram Agency, sources said. (AGENCIES)
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