Taliban hideouts pounded, 16 militants killed by Pakistan army

Pakistani security forces targeted Taliban positions and clashed with rebels in the country's restive northwest, killing 16 militants and destroying several hideouts, officials said.

Eight militants were killed when gunship helicopters pounded rebel hideouts at Cerank Sprej area in Kurram tribal region.

Seven hideouts were destroyed in the air strikes.

Troops clashed with militants at the boundary between Dir and Swat districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and killed five Taliban fighters in a shootout.

The security forces seized several suicide vests, arms and ammunition from the slain militants.

In yet another incident, three militants were killed in a clash with security forces in Bari Kot area of Swat district, officials said.

In Hangu district, police apprehended eight suspects during a search operation, district police chief Abdul Rasheed told PTI.

The operation was conducted in Zangi Banda and Sarak Dana areas of Hangu.

Security forces nabbed three more rebels in Orakzai tribal region, officials said.