23 militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - Pakistani forces have attacked militant hideouts in northwestern tribal region, killing 23 militants and injuring 19, a media report said Sunday.

Troops backed by helicopter gunships Saturday targeted militant positions in different areas of Orakzai Agency, destroying several hideouts, Dawn News reported. According to sources, 18 militants were killed and 12 injured in the shelling.

The forces intensified the operation after a lieutenant-colonel and five soldiers lost their lives in a roadside bomb blast Friday.

On Saturday, paramilitary forces pounded suspected positions in Kurram Agency, killing five militants and injuring seven others, the report said.