20 militants killed in Pakistan airstrikes

, Sept 16: At least 20 militants were killed on Tuesday during airstrikes in

's Khyber Agency area.

According to an official, the strikes targeted Tor Dara, Tirah, Jatoi and Rajgal areas of the agency, Dawn online reported.
The official added that a number of militant hideouts were also destroyed.

Khyber is one of Pakistan's seven semi-autonomous regions governed by tribal laws and the belt lies near the Afghan border.

The Taliban and other Al Qaeda linked groups, who stage attacks in both countries, are known to have strongholds in the zone. The army had launched an all-out military operation named Zarb-i-Azb June 15 against local and foreign militants in North Waziristan.

An Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said that the number of terrorists killed in the operation is 910. A total 82 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives during the offensive.

IANS