Ten militants killed in northwest Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: At least 10 militants were killed in air strikes by Pakistani security forces today in a troubled northwestern tribal region, where the army is conducting a crackdown on the local Taliban.

Gunship helicopters and jet planes fired shells and bombs at militant hideouts in Bajaur Agency of North West Frontier Province. More than 200 Taliban fighters have been killed in fierce clashes in the restive tribal area since Thursday.

Militant positions in Loisam, Tangkhata and Shakai area of Bajaur were targeted, killing at least 10 insurgents, Geo TV reported quoting sources. Indefinite curfew was enforced in the area while people were fleeing to safe places, it said.

The security forces have claimed that 1,100 militants have been killed in Bajaur Agency since the army launched an operation against the Taliban in the area some six weeks ago.