Militants kill 3 policemen in northwest Pakistan

PESHAWAR: At least three policemen have been killed by militants during a search operation in Pakistan's restive northwest tribal region where security officials have launched a major offensive against the Taliban.

The bullet-riddled bodies of three policemen including an Assistant Sub Inspector, believed to be killed late yesterday, were recovered today from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Elum mountainous town in Buner district, district Police said.

Following their disappearance yesterday during a search operation against militants in the mountainous area, police cordoned off the area and began investigation.

Awami National Party Parliamentary leader Sardar Hussain Babak has grieved over the killing of policemen, saying the victims' sacrifices would not go waste.

He demanded strict measures for elimination of terrorism and arrest of the perpetrators.

Pakistani army in June launched a military campaign against militants in the country's tribal regions and so far, more than 1,200 militants have been killed since the start of operation Zerb-e-Azb.