LANDI KOTAL, March 3: Seven militants, a `commander’ among them, were killed when PAF jets targeted their hideouts in Sipah area of Tirah valley late on Saturday night.

Independent and official sources said the seven slain men belonged to the Lashkar-i-Islam militant group.

Earlier, officials claimed that LI bases in Sandana and Speen Drand areas of Sipah were bombed by the air force jets. The area is considered to be a stronghold of LI with its leader Mangal Bagh frequently changing his hideout to escape shelling.

Sources in Bara said security forces had also pounded LI positions with heavy artillery in Ghaibi Neeka area, injuring a man and a minor girl. The artillery shelling being carried out since Friday damaged a number of houses and a mosque.

They said security forces had positioned tanks and artillery in Mushtari camp and Dari-Lowarrh Kali from where they were pounding LI hideouts and bunkers in Sipah area.

In Shalobar area of Bara, a lieutenant of Mehsud Scouts was injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire at him.

Security officials said the incident took place during a search operation, adding the condition of Lt. Kamran was stable and he was recuperating in hospital.