PESHAWAR: Paramilitary forces backed by jets and helicopter gunships on Thursday killed 18 militants in a tribal region bordering Afghanistan, a security official said.

‘At least 18 militants were killed, including one important commander,’ a security official told AFP. He did not disclose the identity of the commander.

‘Helicopter gunships, jets and artillery pounded and destroyed several militant hideouts in various areas of Momand,’ the official said

‘There were no casualties of security forces.’

The militant death toll could not be confirmed independently as the area is sealed off under military operations.

Momand is one of seven tribal districts in Pakistan where Taliban militants are active.