At least 100 militants were killed and around 25 injured on Thursday in the continued military offensive in Bajaur while airstrikes targeted Taliban command centres, official sources and local residents said."Eighty to 100 militants were killed in Bajaur today. Most of them are foreigners," the official said on condition of anonymity, Reuters reported The Taliban casualties were reported in Loyesam, Tangkhata, Rashakai, Khazana and Banda areas following airstrikes, artillery and mortar fires.
Several militant hideouts were also destroyed in the offensive, they added.
Main office: Taliban's main office in Inayat Killi, nine kilometres off Khar, was targeted in an airstrike while 200 shops in a commercial market were also destroyed, eyewitnesses told Daily Times.
According to witnesses, the whole market was in flames following the attack, causing damage worth millions of rupees. No official confirmation was available. After taking control of militants' stronghold in Loyesam, the government forces prepared to march towards the militant-controlled areas in Charmang and Nawagai.
"Life is completely paralysed and we feel as if we are lifeless," residents said as curfew was adding to the local population's problems and a creating food shortage in the area.
The operation against militants was launched on August 6 but the authorities have failed to arrest any known militant leader, the local residents added.
Tribal regions have been wrecked by violence since hundreds of Taliban and Al Qaeda militants fled there after the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001.
US and Afghan officials have repeatedly claimed the tribal region is used by militants to launch cross-border attacks on international coalition troops deployed in Afghanistan.