Helicopters attack Taliban strongpoints

Helicopter gunships attacked Taliban hideouts in north-west Pakistan today killing 10 suspected fighters after gunmen murdered two soldiers at a checkpoint in the area.

The gunmen also injured three soldiers when they stormed the checkpoint last night outside Bai Zai town in Mohmand.

The helicopter assault came as the army wages a major anti-Taliban offensive against the group’s main stronghold further south in Pakistan’s semi-autonomous tribal areas. Militants have retaliated with a wave of attacks that have killed more than 300 people since the operation was launched in mid-October.

A suicide car bomber attacked a crowded market yesterday killing 26 people and wounding 72 others. The attack in Charsadda city was the fourth in about a month to target a crowded market in North West Frontier Province, which is adjacent to Pakistan’s tribal areas.

No one has claimed responsibility for the market attacks, but authorities have blamed the Taliban, which has taken credit for similar bombings that have targeted security forces and government officials.

The Taliban hope the attacks will weaken the army’s resolve in South Waziristan, but officials have repeatedly said they will not be deterred.

“We are fully committed and this is our resolve to eliminate terrorism completely,” Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said.

“This is a challenge for us and we accept the challenge as this is the primary duty of the government to protect the life and property of the people.”