Pakistani fighter jets kill 18 militants

Islamabad, Feb 23: Pakistani jets carried out air strikes on Sunday on suspected insurgent hideouts killing 18

in Tirah valley in Pakistan, a media report said.

The jets targeted hideouts in the Khyber tribal region, destroying a factory making improvised explosives devices, arms and ammunition, Dawn online reported citing officials.

Earlier, nine terrorists were killed Saturday when army helicopter gunships pounded their hideouts in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Hangu borders the tribal region of Orakzai, considered to be the Taliban hub.

On Feb 20, at least 35 militants were killed after air strikes in three different districts of the North Waziristan tribal region.

The strikes were carried out following an approval of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

IANS