Pakistani Military Kills At Least 52 in Khyber Attack

Offensive Aimed at Defending Key US Supply Route

by Jason Ditz, February 06, 2009

Pakistani military helicopters, troops and artillery attacked several militant hideouts in the Khyber Agency today, killing at least 52 militants. The attack also destroyed an ammunition dump and eight vehicles. The strike came hours after an attack on a Khyber checkpoint injured six people.

The attack was also aimed at restoring some level of control over the Khyber Pass, a key supply route for US forces in Afghanistan. The pass has been an extremely dangerous route in recent months, and had been closed for several days after the Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) blew up a British-occupation era bridge. The bridge was repaired today.

Another bridge along the route was destroyed today however, this time in Jamrud, Swat Valley. Two were killed and five others wounded in the blast. The TTP has confirmed responsibility for it.

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