Pakistani fighter jets today pounded several Taliban positions in the restive Aurakzai tribal region in northwest Pakistan killing 18 militants, as large army contingents moved into the area, triggering speculation about a fresh offensive against the rebels.
Jet fighters pounded targets in several areas of lower and upper Aurakzai Agency, killing 18 rebels.
The house of the father-in-law of Taliban commander Aslam Farooqi in Mirowak area was among the targets struck by the jets, official sources said. But it was not clear if he was among those killed.
Eight militant hideouts and a girls' high school were destroyed in the bombardment.
The air strikes were carried out as large contingents of the Pakistan Army moved into Aurakzai Agency.
Troops set up check posts at Kulaba and surrounding areas and tightened security at entry points to the region, the sources said.
The deployment triggered speculation that the army planned to launch a "decisive operation" against the Taliban in Aurakzai Agency in the next few days, sources said.
