18 militants killed in US drone attack in Pak tribal belt
A US drone strike in Pakistan's South Waziristan region on the Afghan border killed 10 militants and wounded seven, Pakistani intelligence agency officials said.
At least 18 militants were killed today in a US drone attack and air strikes by Pakistani combat jets on terrorist bases in the volatile Waziristan tribal region, where ground troops are preparing for a major assault against the most wanted Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud.
Thirteen militants were killed and several others injured when a US drone fired three missiles at a militant camp in
Sarokai area of South Waziristan.
Another missile was fired at a madrassa in Mantoi area though no casualties were reported as the seminary was closed,
TV news channels reported.
Five militants were killed in air strikes by Pakistan Air Force jets in Datakhel area of North Waziristan agency, the
channels reported.
There was no official word on the developments. Pakistani ground forces are currently preparing for an offensive against the stronghold of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Mehsud in South Waziristan.
The government has also stepped up efforts to woo Taliban commanders opposed to Mehsud in a bid to isolate him before military operations are launched in South Waziristan.
