17 militants killed in northeast tribal region of Pakistan

Islamabad: At least 17 suspected militants were killed when army jets pounded their hideouts in Pakistan’s northwest tribal region, media reports said.

Identities of those killed have not been determined yet. Earlier this month, the Pakistan Army declared Parachamkani, comprising 29 villages, as a conflict zone when militants took hold of a large part of the region, and displaced nearly 12,000 families to neighbouring Kohat and Hangu districts.

An armed offensive launched on May 8 has left over 100 militants dead. In retaliatory attacks, militants have killed at least five soldiers and injured over 20 others.

On Tuesday, 14 militants were killed and three hideouts destroyed by security forces in Zarah Mela area of Kurram.