Islamabad, Feb 22 (IANS): At least nine terrorists were killed Saturday when army helicopter gunships pounded their hideouts in Hangu district in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Four helicopter gunships shelled the suspected militants' hideouts in Tora Wari and Dar Samand areas of the district, Geo News reported citing sources.

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

On Feb 20, at least 35 militants were killed after fighter jets targeted their hideouts in three different districts of North Waziristan tribal region.

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

However, the government is still in favour to continue the peace dialogue process and its committee has been directed to make contact with the Taliban once they stop their terror activities.

At least 172 people, including security personnel, were killed in 19 days during the dialogue process with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.