At least nine terrorists were killed Saturday when army helicopter gunships pounded their hideouts in Hangu district, according to a TV channel. Four helicopter gunships shelled the suspected militant hideouts in Tora Wari and Dar Samand areas of the district, the TV channel said citing sources. On February 20, at least 35 militants were killed after fighter jets targeted their hideouts in three different districts of North Waziristan tribal region.
The air strikes were carried out following an approval by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. However, the government is still in favour of peace talks as its committee has been directed to make contact with the Taliban once they stop their terror activities. The air strikes took place a day after Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid urged the government to declare ceasefire first. The Taliban spokesman, talking to mediapersons at an undisclosed location in North Waziristan, referred to the military strikes saying that they are ready for talks despite attacks. "The government has started the war and should also take the lead on a ceasefire," he said. The precision bombardment was part of surgical strikes which sources said should not be taken as a full-fledged military operation.
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