Pakistan military says 14 militants killed in air strikes

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan air strikes killed 14 suspected militants near the Afghan border on Tuesday, the military said, part of a major ongoing operation against Taliban and other insurgents.

The attack took place in Alwara area of North Waziristan tribal region, where the army has been waging a major offensive to clear militant hideouts since June last year.

Those killed in the strikes included some important commanders, the military said in a statement without giving further details.

The conflict zone is remote and off-limits to journalists making it difficult to verify the army's claims, including the number and identity of those killed.

Pakistan has been battling a homegrown Islamist insurgency for over a decade following the late 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

The Pakistan army began a major campaign in North Waziristan in June last year and authorities have now vowed to intensify operations both in the border regions and across the country.

The military says more than 2,800 militants have been killed since the launch of the offensive.