Warplanes kill 12 militants in South Waziristan (Detailed).

SOUTH WAZIRISTAN, June 28, 2009 (Frontier Star) --At least twelve militants were killed and seven others injured when Pakistan Air force warplanes bombed suspected hideouts of militants in the ongoing military operation Rah-e-Nijat, while two security officials were martyred four others injured in the militants firing on Sunday. According to official sources, warplanes carried out intense bombing in Saam, Kacha Langer Khel, Karam Gariai, Ladda Sarai, Tangi Bodizai, Makeen, Janta, Sararogha, Kotkai and Gara Gah, killing twelve militants and injuring seven others. Local sources said that houses belonging to education expert Malik Saad Khan, Dr Bashar Khan, Noor Khan, Jaloot Khan, Bachi Gul and Sher Zati were destroyed in the bombing, while the fort of Malik Nasir Khan was destroyed in Gara Gah area. Official sources said that the security forces pounded Badr, Seena and Teera areas of Mehsud tribe and destroyed several bunkers and hideouts. Sources said due to intense fighting between the security forces and militants, people in large number fleeing the area and closure of roads creates problems for them. According to official sources, two security officials were killed and four others injured in exchange of firing with militants that took place in Sholam, Raghzai and Tanai areas of Wana, which continued the whole night. Security forces have launched operation against militants in Sholam area to open Wana-Angoor Adda and Wana-Jandola Road, closed by militants. Sources said the security forces have started advancing towards Jandola after securing area from Tanai to Sarokai. When this Agency contacted local elders for their comments on the ongoing operation, called upon the government to resolve the issue through dialogue despite use of force, adding, if the government had to start operation, then it should have started in winter. According to them, 70 percent population of South Waziristan had migrated to Tank and Dera Ismail Khan but the government did nothing for them. They called upon the government to open road for the people fleeing the area, so that they could reach settled areas easily. Political administration, when contacted by this Agency, confirmed the bombing of warplanes and added that several hideouts had been destroyed in the bombing.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)