Pakistani security forces on Wednesday claimed to have killed 60 pro-Taliban militants, including would-be suicide bombers, during operations in the volatile tribal region bordering Afghanistan.
Fifteen suspected militants were killed when gunship helicopters shelled Taliban strongholds in the remote and mountainous Chanarak area of Aurakzai tribal region this afternoon, security officials said.
Ten militants were injured in the shelling. The air strikes were carried out in a region that has been the target of repeated military operations. The bombardment, which continued for more than an hour, destroyed several rebel hideouts.
An official of the political administration confirmed the shelling and said, "It is true that several militants were killed." The military had earlier claimed that it had secured Aurakzai Agency.