Fighter jets, helicopter gunships target Bajaur

PESHAWAR: Fighter jets and helicopters on Sunday pounded a district in northwest Pakistan where a suicide bomber killed 17 people a day earlier, in a response described by authorities as “severe”.

It came as two security personnel were killed by another bomb on Sunday.

Saturday’s suicide blast in the town of Khar was the latest in a string of attacks in Bajaur district, which borders Afghanistan.

Two soldiers were among the dead in the attack on a military checkpoint.

Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Khar, Bajaur’s main town, and adjoining villages, while all major roads were closed.

“Fighter jets and helicopter gunships are bombing and shelling militant hideouts and bases in Mamoond and Salarzai,” administrative official Jameel Khan said, referring to two towns within 15 kilometres (nine miles) of Khar.

“Ground troops are also taking part in this offensive.”A security official in the area confirmed the “severe” air strikes.

“There are training centres where militants trained suicide bombers and they have hideouts in these areas,” he said. “We are going to clear these areas. Militants are taking shelter there.”