Pakistan: Gunships target militant hideouts in Dera Ismail Khan, SWA

Gunship helicopters targeted militants’ hideouts in Kolachi Tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan and mountains bordering South Waziristan Agency (SWA) Thursday. According to the sources, three gunship helicopters took part in the surgical strikes in Zarkani Luni and other adjoining areas. This is the fifth in a series of airstrikes targeted militant hideouts in the tribal areas. In the first strike on February 19, 30 militants were killed when military jets and gunships pounded their hideouts in North Waziristan and Khyber Agencies. Nine militants were killed in shelling on February 22 in Hangu. 38 militants including key commanders were killed when airstrikes were carried out in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency on February 23. On February 25, 30 militants were killed in airstrikes in North and South Waziristan agencies.