Islamabad, Oct 16 (IANS): At least 21 militants were killed and five hideouts destroyed Thursday as security forces carried out airstrikes in Pakistan, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.
The airstrikes were carried out in Akakhel and Sipah areas of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency, where the militant hideouts were located, Dawn Online reported.
The security forces have also launched a search operation in Shakas area of the restive region.
The strikes were part of the ongoing military operation codenamed Zarb-i-Azb, initiated June 15 against anti-state militants hiding in the North Waziristan Agency.
The operation was launched after the Taliban and their ethnic Uzbek allies both claimed responsibility for the attack on Karachi airport and peace talks failed between the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) negotiators.