35 Taliban fighters killed, 42 injured in Pakistan

Helicopter gunships targeted militant positions in the volatile Orakzai tribal region in northwest Pakistan today, killing 35 Taliban fighters and injuring 42 more, security officials said.

The air strikes targeted militant positions at Ghiljo, Tor Kanrai and Mamuzai areas in Orakzai Agency.

Seven hideouts were destroyed in the bombardment, officials said.

The Pakistani military claims it has killed nearly 1,000 militants since an offensive was launched in Orakzai Agency earlier this year though the figure cannot be independently confirmed as journalists are barred from the conflict zone.