33 Militants Die As Pakistani Fighter Jets Shell Hideouts

Islamabad, Feb 25, IRNA - Pakistani fighter jets Tuesday bombed hideouts of the militants in Waziristan tribal region, destroying some of their bases and killing 33 militants, security officials said. A security official added that simultaneous strikes were also carried out in North Waziristan region, bordering Afghanistan. The Taliban have not commented on the claims by security forces. Independent verification of the events is difficult as journalists have no access to the area. It is the second time in five days the security forces have pounded positions of the Taliban militants in Waziristan. Earlier on February 20, the security forces targeted positions of Taliban militants in Waziristan and Khyber tribal agencies killing over 30 militants. The operation has been launched following a deadlock between the government and the Taliban’s intermediaries. Talks were suspended after the Taliban executed 23 security personnel on February 17. Taliban had held them hostage since 2010. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to preside over meeting of the Federal Cabinet later on Tuesday to discuss option for a possible major push against the Taliban in North Waziristan, their last stronghold. Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz said on Monday that government was consulting other stakeholders on dealing with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “The recent Taliban attacks have adversely affected the process of talks with the TTP. We are considering different options after the unfortunate incidents,” he said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a seminar. He said consultations were about the options of a full-scale military operation or limited aerial strikes. But, he added, the option of dialogue with militants would not be closed. “Establishing the writ of the state and restoring peace is our ultimate objective,” he said./end