Khar (Pakistan): Pakistani jets and artillery killed 15 militants linked to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in a tribal area near the Afghan border, an official said today.
The clashes took place in several areas of the Bajaur tribal region where troops have been engaged in fierce fighting with rebels since the launch of an army operation in August.
"Pakistani artillery backed by tanks and fighter jets pounded underground bunkers and other hideouts of rebels, killing 15 militants during the last 24 hours," local administration official, Mohammad Jamil told AFP.
He said that six militants were killed and three others wounded in artillery fire today in the Nawagai area while nine rebels were killed after fighter jets bombarded their hideouts in Mamoun on Sunday.
Jamil added that a woman was also killed when a mortar fired by troops hit her house in Mamoun area on Sunday.
Pakistan s northwestern tribal belt became a stronghold for hundreds of extremists who fled Afghanistan after the US-led invasion toppled the hardline Taliban regime in late 2001.
Pakistan has been accused by the United States and Afghanistan of not doing enough to stop militants crossing the border to attack US and NATO troops in Afghanistan.
Islamabad says the Bajaur operation is proof that it is committed to crushing insurgents.
Pakistani military recently said more than 1,500 rebels have been killed while hundreds more militants have been captured since August.
