PM gave ‘go ahead’ for N. Waziristan, Khyber airstrikes: sources

Published February 20, 2014
A Pakistani army soldier takes a position during a military operation against militants in Kurram tribal region. – AP Photo/File
A Pakistani army soldier takes a position during a military operation against militants in Kurram tribal region. – AP Photo/File

ISLAMABAD: After being convinced by the top military leadership of Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gave a go ahead for the airstrikes in North Waziristan and Khyber agencies that killed at least 35 suspected militants, highly placed credible sources told Dawn.com.

High level civil military consultations continued for three days which culminated on these strikes, they said.

Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and intelligence heads briefed the prime minister over rapid developments in the tribal areas and also shared images of militant hideouts procured through their own spy drones.

Authorisation of the premier was sought for more strikes at other locations, which according to the sources has been granted.

In last night’s airstrikes in Mir Ali, 16 Uzbek terrorists were also killed while identification process of the other dead was underway.

There is no presence of military in Mir Ali where fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force were used to destroy the hideouts.

According to military sources, in airstrikes in Khyber Agency earlier today, seven terrorists, including three suicide bombers and a key Taliban commander, were killed.

Opinion

Editorial

A positive note
Updated 10 Feb, 2025

A positive note

With govt unable to press growth accelerator without upending fragile recovery, sufferings of low-middle-income households are unlikely to disappear soon.
Justice for all
10 Feb, 2025

Justice for all

ALONG with his domestic agenda, Donald Trump is busy ripping to shreds the post-World War II ‘rules-based...
Held back
10 Feb, 2025

Held back

IT is a crying shame how women are conspicuously absent from Pakistan’s civil services. Despite comprising half ...
Race against time
Updated 09 Feb, 2025

Race against time

While some bright spots emerged at Breathe Pakistan moot, we must streamline our climate governance.
Open door
09 Feb, 2025

Open door

THE door is still open for talks, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has reminded the PTI. What matters, however,...
Football suspension
09 Feb, 2025

Football suspension

ONCE again, Pakistan has been ousted from the global football family. FIFA recently suspended the Pakistan Football...