Summary Several militants hideouts were destroyed in the airstrikes.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk / AFP) - At least 34 militants were killed on Wednesday in air strikes on a tribal region near the Afghan border as part of a major offensive against insurgents that began last year.
The Taliban and other militant groups are based in Khyber, one of seven autonomous tribal districts along Pakistan s western border, which became a hideout for militants following the US-led invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan in 2001.
"In precise aerial strikes in Tirah, Khyber region, 34 terrorists were killed today," the military said in a statement.
The military began its latest offensive in Khyber in October 2014, four months after a similar operation in the North Waziristan district which was triggered by a bloody Taliban attack on Karachi airport that sank faltering peace talks.
Both conflict zones are off-limits to journalists, making it difficult to verify the number and identity of those killed.
Rights activists are wary of the death tolls given by the military and say many women and children have also died.
Air strikes, artillery, mortars and ground troops have all been used to take back territory.
Last Friday, more than 40 militants were killed and their several hideouts were destoryed during airstrikes in Tirah Valley.
