Islamabad, July 10: At least 39 militants were killed when Pakistani jets and helicopter gunships pounded positions of Taliban insurgents who had taken over homes of the minority Sikh community in the restive Orakzai tribal region.
Reports said 14 militant camps were destroyed during the air strikes in Chapri Ferozekhel and Ghiljo areas of Orakzai Agency yesterday. At least 39 militants were killed in the air strikes, the Dawn newspaper reported today.
Muhammad, a spokesman for Taliban commander Tariq Afridi, said 18 militants were killed in the air attack in Ferozekhel.
A senior commander was among the militants killed, he added.
Militants affiliated with Afridi and Hakimullah Mehsud, a close aide of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud, had occupied several homes of Sikhs in Orakzai Agency after they fled the troubled region.
–PTI