A Pakistan Army soldier checks a vehicle in Bannu, North Waziristan.
At least 13 militants were killed today in air strikes on their hideouts in the ongoing military operation in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region, the military said.
Military spokesman Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said that the attack was launched after terrorists hiding in Mirali town fired rockets at a security forces check post near the city.
"Air strikes were launched early morning today killing 13 terrorists and destroying seven hideouts. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also destroyed," he said.
The spokesman also said that most of the terrorists killed in strikes were foreigners but he did not specify their nationalities.
Bajwa said that two suicide bombers exploded their vests after they were chased by troops, when encircled close to Boya area.
Three terrorists including one Uzbek were also apprehended from the Boya area.
In a separate incident, two explosive-laden vehicles were destroyed through an air strike at Degan.
Bajwa said consolidation of cleared area in Miranshah and Miranshah-Dattakhel Road continues.
The forces also recovered six prepared motorcycle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), two vehicle borne IEDs, two 12.7 millimetre guns, one 14.5 millimetre gun, three vehicles, 11 suicide jackets and a huge cache of arms during the last 24 hours in Khar Warsak and Zartangi areas.
The military has already taken control of the main town of Miranshah.
The army launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb on June 15, days after militants stormed Pakistan's busiest airport in the southern port city of Karachi.
According to the military, more than 400 militants have been killed in the operation, which also displaced over 800,000 people.
Bajwa said relief operations for displaced people continues at full pace and 96,533 ration packs each of 110 kilograms, have been distributed among the affected.
Army doctors are also helping the injured and so far have treated 12,587 people.