43 militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - At least 43 militants were killed Sunday when Pakistani fighter jets pounded militant hideouts in the country’s Orakzai tribal agency.

Five soldiers were killed in the offensive, Xinhua reported, citing sources.

The attack was part of an ongoing offensive that started in March in Orakzai. At least 700 militants were killed in the operation so far.

There is, however, no independent confirmation of the casualties, as journalists have no access to the region.

The army said it has already taken control of most of the areas. According to UN, over 200,000 people have fled Orakzai since the fighting started.