PESHAWAR: Thirty-two militants were killed when helicopter gunships attacked and destroyed three hideouts in Bangidar area of North Waziristan Agency on Saturday, military’s public affairs wing said.

According to the ISPR, 23 vehicles laden with explosives and four ammunition dumps were also destroyed in the action.

The claim could not be verified through independent sources.

The army backed by the air force launched Operation Zarb-i-Azb against local and foreign militants in North Waziristan on June 18. Saturday’s assault came after a pause in combat operation.

Officials said that over an 80km-long stretch had been cleared of militants and security forces had secured important towns, including Miramshah and Mirali. Over half a million people have been displaced because of the military offensive under way in North Waziristan.

Published in Dawn, August 31, 2014