30 militants killed in Pakistsn’s military strike

Islamabad: At least 30 militants were killed on Saturday in targeted airstrikes conducted by Pakistan’s military in the restive northwest tribal region.

So far more than 260 militants have been killed in the all-out offensive against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) known as operation ‘Zarb-i-Azb’ that was launched on Sunday, according to the army.

The operation was launched following a deadly attack on Karachi international airport which killed 37 people, including the 10 attackers.

The militants are mostly foreign fighters and those who harbour them, with some having fled to the thick forests in Shawal valley extending to South Waziristan Agency.

There are still some key resistance points where the fleeing militants have left some fighters who are planting mines to stop the advancement of security forces.

Over 300,000 people have also been displaced by the fighting.

The figure includes 62,000 people who left the area of operations before June 18, an official said.

He said the administration is expecting another 100,000 tribesmen and their families to leave.

According to reports, the army wants to wrap up the operation before start of the holy month of Ramadan that will begin by the end of June.