24 militants killed in Pakistan's Orakzai region in two days

At least 14 pro-Taliban militants were killed and 18 others injured when helicopter gunships targeted Pakistan's restive Orakzai region today, taking the number of fighters killed in aerial and ground attacks to 24 in two days.
    
The gunships shelled militant positions in Goeen, Shakar Tangi, Feroz Khel, Chappar Mashti and Saifaldar areas of the northwestern Orakzai Agency today destroying two bunkers and five hideouts in the air strikes, sources said.
    
The strike came a day after six militants were killed in aerial attacks in Sanghra, Kasha, Shakar Tangi and Mashti, while four were killed in a ground offensive in Sanghra.
    
Pakistani security forces claim to have killed over 400 Taliban militants since an offensive was launched last month to flush rebels out of the region.
    
The figure cannot be independently confirmed as journalists are barred from reporting from the conflict zone.