Pakistani forces kill 13 militants in northern tribal area

Pakistani fighter jets on Saturday killed 13 terrorists and destroyed their seven hideouts in North Waziristan tribal region during the major offensive against the local and foreign militants, the military said.
The security forces launched major offensive in the region on June 15 as the peace talks collapsed and the military spokesman said over 400 militants have been killed so far.
Nearly 20 security personnel have also lost lives in bomb attacks and clashes.
The army spokesman said terrorists fired rockets on a security forces check post in Mir Ali, a major town in North Waziristan, from inside Mirali town.
"Air strikes were launched early morning today, killing 13 terrorists and destroying seven hideouts," he said in a statement.
A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also destroyed and most of the terrorists killed in strikes are foreigners.
The security forces have continued clearance in Miranshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan, and Datta Khel, an adjoining area near Miranshah.
The forces also recovered six prepared motorcycle borne IEDs, and two vehicle borne IEDs, 11 suicide jackets and huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered during the last 24 hours.
The spokesman said three terrorists including one Uzbek have been apprehended from Boya area, which is dubbed a stronghold of the militants. Two suicide bombers were identified and chased, who exploded themselves when encircled close to Boya, the spokesman said.
Two explosive-laden vehicles were destroyed through aviation strike at Degan area, he said.