F-16-REUTERS-670
A fighter jet of the Pakistan military is seen in this file photo. — Photo by Reuters

PESHAWAR: At least 14 people were killed when military jets bombarded two houses on Monday in the Khyber tribal region's Malik Din Khel area of Tirah valley in Bara Tehsil.

Relatives of the deceased confirmed that nine of a family and five of another were killed during the jet strikes adding that the dead included women and children.

The two houses targeted were completely destroyed.

Spokesman for the Tirah-based Ansarul Islam group, who identified himself as Kaptaan, confirmed that 14, people including women and children, were killed in the strikes.

Officials of the military, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and the region's political administration declined to confirm or deny the incident.

Speaking to Dawn.com, unnamed military sources confirmed that fighter jets had engaged suspected militant hideouts upon receiving information on the presence of insurgents, including some high-profile commanders.

In an unrelated incident, nine unidentified bodies were found near North Waziristan's Miramshah town.

All victims appeared to have been shot to death.

Local administrative officials said that the bodies were taken into custody and shifted for identification.

 

Opinion

Editorial

Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...
Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.