Pakistan airstrikes hit targets in northwest after military launches long-awaited offensive

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani officials say the air force pounded militant targets in North Waziristan, killing about ten militants.

Two intelligence officials said the airstrikes early Monday hit the Shawal area near the southern border with South Waziristan, a neighbouring tribal region.

The officials said some of the militants were foreigners.

The airstrikes are part of an offensive announced Sunday by the Pakistani military in North Waziristan to go after local and foreign fighters who have used the region as a base from which to attack the rest of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The region is essentially lawless with little or no government control and also serves as a safe haven for insurgents who attack neighbouring Afghanistan.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.