At least sixteen suspected terrorists including four foreigners were killed, when US drones attacked the training centre of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Baitullah Mehsud in Makeen area of South Waziristan Agency. Four foreigners were among the 16 killed, and the death toll was expected to rise, defence sources said here on Tuesday.
Pakistan is officially criticising the strikes by US unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) calling it utter violation of country's sovereignty and undermine efforts to deal with militancy by inflaming public anger and bolstering support for the militants. At least 40 drone attacks have hit the tribal areas since August last year.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday said that four terrorists including Commander Muhammad Rasol (Brother of Ibn-e-Amin) and Akram were killed during last 24 hours of Operation Rah-e-Raast in Malakand division and Bannu region.
Security forces on a tip off carried out search and sweep operation in selected houses at Chakdarra during which four militants including Mohammed Rasool and Akram were killed while 34 terrorists were arrested in the operation, the spokesman said, adding that security forces recovered eight machineguns, two pistols, four 7mm rifles and 50 rounds from their possession.
Another local commander Wahab was also killed by security forces in a battle in Khwazakhella area of Swat Valley, while 15 others terrorists were arrested in the operation, he said.
The spokesman said that during a clearance operation in Zangai area of Swat Valley, security forces have demolished six hideouts of the terrorists, while huge cache of arms, ammunition, explosive and other equipments were also recovered. Security forces have cleared Government Degree College Matta and established the communication link between Matta-Kharairai, he said.
Security forces conducted search operation at Maddi in Bannu. During encounter a terrorist was killed and 7 suspected terrorists were arrested, spokesman said. He said that Pakistan Army continued the relief activities, as at least 12 trucks carrying 50 tons Army rations have been dispatched to Chakdara. As many as 83,896 cash cards were distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand, he added.