Pakistani jets launch air strikes near Afghan border

Pakistani fighter jets pounded tribal areas near the Afghan border in an operation against Taliban militants on Tuesday, flattening several houses and sending villagers fleeing from their homes, military sources and local residents said.

The air strikes took place as domestic pressure grew on prime minister Nawaz Sharif to take tougher action against Taliban militants following a string of attacks across Pakistan in the past week.

“This hadn’t been planned before, and Pakistan air force fighter jets were called to hit hideouts of the militants involved in attacks on security forces,” said one military official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The army was not immediately available for a comment.

Agencies