ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army announced Sunday that 80 militants have so far been killed as the military offensive against Taliban fighters in northwest Buner district enters its fifth day, AFP reports.

Helicopter gunships and ground troops have been pounding militant hideouts in Buner and neighbouring Lower Dir district in a nearly week-long assault against Taliban insurgents who have infiltrated the volatile area.

The army had previously put the death toll in Buner at 55 to 60, and said that altogether more than 200 militants have been killed in both districts since Operation Black Thunder began.

‘In the Buner operation so far, 80 militants have been killed while three soldiers embraced shahadat (martyrdom) and eight others were injured,’ the military said in a written statement.

‘Reportedly militant commander Khalil has been killed in the Buner operation. His real name is Alam Buneri and he was a mainstream leader of the banned organisation TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan),’ it added.

Operation Commander in Buner briefs media

Meanwhile, Operation Commander in Buner Brigadier Fayyaz told reporters in Daggar that at least nine would-be suicide bomber have been arrested and 21 killed, according to DawnNews.

He said pockets of militants still exist as the security forces continued to face resistance. But he also predicted that military operations would

Brigadier Faiz told reporters that militants from Swat took control of Buner on April 21st when they started armed patrolling in various areas of the district. They robbed and ransacked government and NGO offices, he said

Dir

Meanwhile armed militants ransacked a bank in Timergara and kidnapped a Policeman in Chakdara area of Lower Dir.

In Maidan area militants set ablaze a residence of a policeman and kidnapped his son.

Security forces claim inflicting heavy casualties on militants in the ensuing gun battle in Maidan.

Humanitarian situation

International humanitarian and Pakistani officials have warned that up to one million people have been displaced in northwestern Pakistan.

NWFP officials have appealed for international relief.