Air strikes kill 20 militants near Pak-Afghan border

Several hideouts were also destroyed during the operation

NORTH WAZIRISTAN: In precise aerial strikes conducted by security forces Saturday, 20 suspected militants were killed in North Waziristan Agency near the Pak-Afghan border, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement informed. 

As security forces conducted the strikes, 20 suspected militants were confirmed dead while several hideouts were also destroyed.

The deeply forested areas near the border are a key smuggling route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and are dotted with Taliban bases, used as launch pads for attacks on Pakistani forces.

Read: 12 militants killed in air strikes near Pak-Afghan border

Air strikes last month also left 15 suspected militants dead in Shawal Valley after security forces moved in on Taliban strongholds in the area.

Air strikes and search operations across the region have continued in efforts to eliminate terrorism from the country.