Jets pummel militants' positions in Waziristan

ISLAMABAD - Security forces killed seven more terrorists and apprehended 16 others while five soldiers sustained injuries during the last 24 hours in Malakand, said an ISPR press release issued on Sunday.
In Swat region, one terrorist was killed and six others were arrested during an exchange of fire at Langer, Khawazakhela. The security forces also recovered 15 small machineguns, one sniper rifle, one rifle 8 MM, communication sets, grenades and established a check-post at a road in Akhun Kalle, Dadhran. ISPR said that terrorists attacked a vehicle of the security forces at Dakorak-Allahbad Road, which resultantly injured five soldiers.
The press release further said that the security forces successfully secured areas around Piochar, Kharkai, Kharkarai and Biha. Intense engagement and heavy exchange of fire also took place between security forces and terrorists in Biha Valley South of Chuprial. Around six terrorists were killed and 10 others were apprehended from Biha in the operation. The security forces also recovered 20 small machineguns, one rifle G-3, two rocket launchers and 7 rockets, 12 bore ore rifles, two grenades and 6000 rounds of SMG and 2 MM rifles from there.
The security forces also secured areas around Barko Sar, Roringar, Nalkot, Wainai towards Biha, Bartana and Pushtunat, while efforts were underway to clear Tirang, Thana, Allahdand and Batkhela, ISPR added.
In South Waziristan Agency, terrorists blocked the road between Tanai and Sarwaki. The security forces have launched an operation to open the road, ISPR said.
Reuters adds: The military used aircraft and artillery as they stepped up an assault aimed at eliminating Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud, holed up in the South Waziristan region near the Afghan border.
A full-scale offensive has not yet begun in South Waziristan but fighter jets have been attacking Mehsud’s positions in recent days, and did so again on Sunday.
“It’s very scary. Jets have carried out heavy bombing. I saw billows of smoke and dust coming from houses that were hit,” Jahangir Barki, a resident of Wana, South Waziristan’s main town, told Reuters.
Security forces also fired artillery at an office of a top militant commander allied with Mehsud, Maulvi Nazir, residents said. The commander was not there at the time, they said.
The military has said it is trying to clear militants from a stretch of the main road linking Wana with NWFP.