13 militants killed in NW Pakistan tribal area

At least 13 militants were killed and several others injured on Thursday as Pakistani military jets targeted militant hideouts in the country's northwestern tribal area.

Official sources said security forces have taken control of important militant positions in the Gaga area of Mamond Tehsil, Bajaur tribal agency, as they advance and consolidate their possessions in the restive area.

They added that the jet fighters used heavy artillery to pound militant hideouts in Mohmand Tehsil, during which 13 militants were killed. The army also seized huge cache of arms and ammunition from their possession and apprehended six suspects as well.

The force also nabbed two terrorists from Hangu district bordering Kurram tribal agency and successfully retaliated the onslaught of the militants at their check post, a spokesman for the Frontier Corps said.

Besides, in Khyber agency two soldiers were hurt in an Improvised Explosive Device blast near Nallah. Later the forces during search operation in the area arrested eight suspected terrorists including an important commander, the army source said.

Pakistan security forces are conducting search and clearance operations in the country's tribal area as they controlled main bases of Taliban militants in South Waziristan bordering Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the United States has intensified drone attacks on the tribal regions despite Pakistan's protest.

Source: Xinhua