''18 militants killed in Pak tribal region''

Peshawar, Jan 25 (PTI) At least 18 pro-Talibanmilitants were killed when security forces targeted rebelpositions in the restive Mohmand tribal region of northwestPakistan today, security sources said.

Eighteen pro-Taliban militants were killed andtwenty-two injured and 10 rebel hideouts destroyed during theoperations, the sources said.

The troops targeted militant hideouts in Khewazai,Baizai, Ambar and Safi areas of Mohmand Agency, they said.

Pakistani military has been conducting operations inthe restive tribal region, considered a hub of Taliban andal-Qaeda elements. Washington has asked Islamabad to launch adecisive offensive against Taliban and al-Qaeda in the restiveregion.