Thaindian News

DPA
Islamabad, Aug 13 (DPA) At least 10 Islamic militants, including some suspected Al Qaeda fighters, were killed in an overnight aerial strike in Pakistan’s South Waziristan tribal district bordering Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday. Multiple missiles targeted a compound used by the followers of a hardcore pro-Taliban tribal commander, Mullah Nazir, in Baghar village, located some 30 km west of the region’s main town of Wana late Tuesday night.

“Preliminary reports say at least four missiles hit the compound, killing more than 10 militants,” a senior security official said on condition of anonymity due to sensitivity of the issue. “Among them were also foreigners.”

He said the death toll could rise as some people were believed to be still buried under the rubble.

The security official said the forces across the border had fired guided missiles, while the local residents claimed a US drone was seen flying in the area at the time of the strike.

There were also reports of Pakistani army helicopter flights over the area after the explosions.

US forces in Afghanistan have launched several missile strikes this year in Pakistan’s tribal area, which have sanctuaries of Taliban and al-Qaeda militants launching cross-border attacks into Afghanistan.

Al Qaeda’s chemical weapons expert Abu Khabab al-Masri, also known as Midhat Mursi, was killed in a similar strike in South Waziristan July 28.
DPA