18 militants killed in Pakistan tribal region

At least 18 pro-Taliban militants were killed when security forces targeted rebel positions in the restive Mohmand tribal region of northwest Pakistan today, security sources said.

Eighteen pro-Taliban militants were killed and 22 injured and 10 rebel hideouts destroyed during the operations, the sources said.

The troops targeted militant hideouts in Khewazai, Baizai, Ambar and Safi areas of Mohmand Agency, they said.

Pakistani military has been conducting operations in the restive tribal region, considered a hub of Taliban and al-Qaeda elements. Washington has asked Islamabad to launch a decisive offensive against Taliban and al-Qaeda in the restive region.