'Women and children among dead' (From Asian Image)
When news happens, text your photos and videos to 07747488605. Or contact us by email or phone.
'Women and children among dead'
11:07am Wednesday 1st September 2010 in
Pakistan army jets and helicopters targeted militant hideouts near the Afghan border, killing 45 people identified as insurgents or members of their families, including women and children, security officials said today.
The attacks happened yesterday in the Teerah Valley in the Khyber region, where al Qaida and Taliban militants are known to have found sanctuary.
There was no independent confirmation of the casualty figures because the area is too dangerous for outsiders to visit.
There were few details about the raids, except that they took place in several villages in the valley and killed 45 people. One security official said some vehicles rigged with explosives had also been destroyed. He could not say how many.
The official said “there might be civilian deaths as the terrorists were living with their families”.
Another intelligence officer said some women and children were killed in the attacks.
In April, the Teerah Valley was hit by army air strikes which killed about 60 civilians. The army, which initially described the victims as insurgents, ended up paying compensation to their families and its chief issued a rare public apology.
Pakistan’s army has been fighting Islamist militants in different parts of the north-west for more than two years.
Militants who fled major operations in South Waziristan and Orakzai tribal regions are believed to have set up new bases in Khyber, which is about 62 miles (100km) north-west of the main city in the region, Peshawar.
More World news stories
- Pakistan PM charged with contempt
- Shock in community as man admits plotting to kill Obama
- Tweeter faces death penalty
- PICTURES: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Premiere
- US and UK set for 2014 Afghanistan exit
- Mum gives birth to 15lb baby
- Mobile operator reports profits drop
- Racist jokes aren’t a laughing matter
- MIA superbowl swear prompts apology
- Civilian death toll in Afghanistan rises
Most popular
GENERAL ELECTION: CONSTITUENCIES
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
