The jets targeted hideouts in the area and destroyed four compounds in the rugged terrain near the Afghan border.
“Two war planes were sent to the area early this morning after reports from local intelligence sources that militants from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were hiding in the mountainous region,” a senior military officer told AFP.
“The bombings targeted Khadizai, Samarbazar and Bermela areas and destroyed four hideouts,” he said adding that at least 15 militants were killed.
Local security officials confirmed the air strikes and the casualties.
Independent confirmation of the death toll was not immediately possible as the lawless tribal region is barred for journalists.
Most of Upper Orakzai is in Taliban hands and is the scene of frequent clashes between security forces and militants while government troops are in control of its lower reaches.
A similar air strike early this month left 20 militants dead, officials said.
Pakistan's seven tribal districts near the Afghan border are rife with homegrown insurgents and are strongholds of Taliban and al Qaeda operatives.
Militants have killed more than 4,800 people across Pakistan since government troops raided a mosque in Islamabad in July 2007.
COMMENTS (11)
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Dear forum readers,
The U.S. fully supports and backs Pakistan in its fight against the militants who continue to threaten the nation with their acts of terror. The nation of Pakistan has suffered enough at the hands of these terrorists, and we encourage Pakistan to eradicate the threat that continues to haunt the nation. Our common wish to see the region free and clear of terrorism is binding us together in our fight against these terrorists. Despite all the challenges that have arisen in the recent past, we continue to push forward because of our shared will and desire to defeat terrorism. Those who try to overshadow our efforts and sacrifices with conspiracy theories should remember that the reason our governments are still making an honest effort to work together is because of our stance against terrorism. We will not let allow terrorism to succeed, and will not let conspiracy theories deter us from stabilizing the region. We will remain focused until our common objectives are achieved in the region.
I dont whats going on with our authorities, negotiations and fight at the same time ?
@Gulkhaiz --- I completely agree with you. Time for us to eliminate the Taliban. The message should be clear. Surrender or DIE!
CIA/Mossad/RAW will be really interested in your technical weaponry where they ONLY kill militants and not innocent civilians.
@Gulkhaiz: They are Pakistanis and are doing the same as the freedom fighters.
They are not our people. They might have been born and bred here but are at war with Pakistan, for almost over 6-7 years.Just couple of hours back a blast in Kohat has killed innocent people.Militants want to destroy the state of Pakistan. I think we are the only country in world which is confused between friends and foe and on a drop of hat start criticizing security forces. If this sort of action would have been done in or against Israel they would have gone to any corner of the world to eliminate the threat. The response of security forces is appropriate and timely.Moreover lets not forget that we are fighting a low intensity war for almost now a decade. We have to protect our interests, come what may.
Pak bombs only target terrorists - US bombs only innocents. Topic closed.
@John B: You bet ! It is precision bombing by Pak jet. All those killed were militants and none of them are innocent civilians.
Definitely they are guilty, since they were killed by PAK and not by US drones.
The US was requesting PAK to do this for a long time. Finally, it took Abottabad to shake PAK up and memo gate to get things in perspective.
I see - we are back to using jet fighters and heavy weaponry against our own people. The same people you trained and armed. Didn't you do the same in Baluchistan, again and again and again ...