Pakistani security forces backed by fighter jets today pounded Taliban hideouts in Orakzai and Swat regions in the restive northwest, killing 14 militants and injuring eight others, officials said.
Fighter jets bombed militant hideouts in the Orakzai tribal region and killed 10 militants. Eight others were injured when the jets dropped bombs, officials said.
Two hideouts and four vehicles were destroyed.
Officials said the aircraft targeted militant hideouts, but local residents claimed women and children were among the dead and injured.
Four militants were killed in fierce clashes with security forces in the northwestern Swat valley this morning, officials said.
Troops launched an operation in the area after getting intelligence reports about the presence of militants.
Prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said earlier this month that security forces could launch an operation in Orakzai Agency.
Officials said the Taliban have fled to Otrakzai Agency from South Waziristan, where 30,000 troops are conducting a major offensive against militants.
Military officials claim over 600 militants have been killed in Waziristan since October.
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