KOHAT / KHAR: At least 24 militants were killed as jets bombed Taliban positions in the tribal region of Orakzai and troops maintained pressure on terrorists in South Waziristan and Swat on Sunday.

At least seven militants were killed and six camps of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and a seminary were destroyed in Orakzai Agency.

The jets also pounded the headquarters of TTP chief Hakeemullah Mehsud in Ghiljo bazaar in Upper Orakzai. According to local people, the bazaar was closed as militants surrounded their hideouts and carried out rescue work.

Militants’ positions and hideouts in Dabori and Mamozai areas of Lower Orakzai also came under heavy bombardment.

A large seminary was razed in Dabori. The number of casualties could not be ascertained.

A man and his son were arrested near the toll plaza on the Indus Highway for trying to smuggle arms and ammunition from Darra Adam Khel to Karachi. Two Kalashnikovs, six pistols, two shotguns, a repeater, 28 chargers and 1,345 cartridges were found in their car.

In Mamond area of Bajaur Agency, militants killed pro-government tribal elder Malik Sher Zaman Khan and blew up his house late on Saturday night.

Militants also fired dozens of rockets at security posts in Khar and adjoining areas.

APP adds:

According to ISPR, at least 17 terrorists were killed in South Waziristan and Swat-Malakand.

An operation was carried out in Ahmed Wam area of South Waziristan and Shahvzai, Khaznikai and Udin Sar were cleared. Five terrorists were killed in clashes.

In Swat-Malakand, security personnel carried out a search in Karakar Banda, Ilam Saand, Ashar Banr and Gari Shamozai and killed 12 terrorists. Two suspects were captured in Shalpin.

Seven terrorists surrendered in Charbagh, Roria and Zara Khela.