DHAKA: Shelling by the Pakistan Army’s gunship helicopters and fighter jets in the early hours of Wednesday killed at least 50 suspected militants and injured another 80, some critically, in several parts of Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal region.

DawnNews reported.

The sources said that militants bases in Mosaki, Zara Mela and Esorti viallges in Mir Ali Tehsil were targeted, which had left scores dead and injured while the targeted operation was also carried on parts of Agency Headquarters Miramshah.

According to sources, more fatalities were expected due to the strikes.

Sources added that the shelling by gunship helicopters and jets continued for an extended period in the area, and mortar fire was also witnessed.

Pakistan Army’s Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) sources have so far confirmed that around 32 militants including some key commanders and foreign militants have been killed in the assault.

The military sources also claimed that the precision strikes carried out on intelligence reports, killed the militants involved in terrorist activities in Peshawar, Bajaur, Mohmand agencies and other areas.

The huge operation came two days after kidnapping of a Chinese tourist and the return of Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif from Afghanistan.

BDST: 1513 HRS, MAY 21, 2014