25 militants killed in Pakistan airstrike

Islamabad, June 23: At least 25

were killed when Pakistani forces on Monday struck militant hideouts in North Waziristan Agency, media reported.

"Eight terrorist hideouts around Mir Ali, North Waziristan Agency were destroyed by jet aircraft early morning today(Monday)," Dawn online reported citing a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations(ISPR).

"Fifteen terrorists were killed in the strikes. Tunnels were spotted in the targeted areas," the statement added.

Meanwhile, 10 suspected terrorists were killed while fleeing from the cordoned off area in Spinwam and Mir Ali areas, said the Army statement.

Two soldiers were also killed in battles with the militants, the army spokesman said.

Pakistani Army troops foiled several attempts by militants to flee the cordoned off area.

On Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) situation, the Pakistan Army said that curfew was relaxed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to facilitate evacuation of leftover local people.

"In all, 414,429 IDPs have been registered so far at Saidgai check post. It is believed that remaining people will leave the area today," the army said.

The army said four relief goods delivery points have been established at Bannu, a major city near the tribal region where foodstuff, medical care and cash provided by federal government will be distributed by the concerned civil agency among IDPs.

Pakistani army launched operation 'Zarb-i-Azb' in the tribal region of North Waziristan, a week after an attack on Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, deploying troops, tanks and jets to crackdown on Taliban and other terrorists.

Over 300 militants have been killed since the start of the operation and many hideouts destroyed, the report said.

IANS