Five killed as jet fighters bomb Pak tribal belt

Five militants were killed and eight others injured when jet fighters and gunship helicopters bombed the hideouts of pro-Taliban militants in Pakistan's tribal belt today, officials said.

The air strikes also destroyed two militant hideouts in Bajaur tribal region, officials of the local political administration said.

Three militants were killed and five injured during air strikes in Ghwando area while two rebels died and three more were injured in bombardment in Larra Banda area.

In an unrelated development, five militants surrendered to security forces in Bajaur Agency.

There has been an increase in the number of militants surrendering to authorities following the 10-day deadline for them to lay down their arms.

Meanwhile, the driver of a security forces vehicle was injured when it hit a landmine in Saafi area of Mohmand Agency. The vehicle was damaged by the blast.

Security forces also demolished the homes of five militants in the same area.