Islamabad, Oct 17 (IANS): At least nine suspected militants were killed and 10 injured Friday in an ongoing operation against militants in Pakistan's Khyber Agency.

According to officials, the operation has been named Khyber One, Dawn online reported.

Intensifying their efforts to counter militants in Khyber, security forces have upped the ante in the region.

Senior security officials said that this was the first wave of a fresh offensive launched to clear Bara tehsil area.

Curfew has been imposed in the area and people are not allowed to either enter or leave Bara.

Security forces have also blocked all routes leading to Bara and have surrounded its Malikdinkhel, Akakhel and Sipah areas.

Scores of families have started moving to safer places as the offensive against militant groups is intensifying.

Jet fighters have also been seen flying in the area.

Khyber is among Pakistan’s seven semi-autonomous tribal districts near the Afghan border, rife with home grown insurgents and foreign militants. These are also home to religious extremist organisations, including the Al Qaeda.