Share this story!            

22 killed as drone targets Taliban shura meeting in Bajaur

By Hasbanullah Khan

KHAR: A suspected US drone killed 22 terrorists in Bajaur Agency, official sources said on Saturday.

The drone targeted a Taliban shura meeting in Damadola area, which is 12 kilometres north of Khar.

“Initial reports say 18 militants, including foreigners, were killed in the strike,” the sources told Daily Times.

Sources in the political administration said Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan deputy chief Maulvi Faqir left the site minutes before the strike, adding that his relatives were among the dead.

“The shura meeting could have been deciding a strategy to confront the government forces after a military offensive was launched against terrorists in South Waziristan,” they said.

The officials said, “Since it was a Shura meeting, top militant commanders could be among the dead.”

Security forces launched an operation against Taliban in Bajaur last August. In February, they claimed the area had been cleared but unrest has rumbled on.

Hundreds of extremists are believed to have fled Afghanistan into the Tribal Areas to carve out safe havens after the US-led invasion toppled their regime in Kabul in late 2001.

Home | Main

Share this story!