Islamabad - Pakistani security forces killed at least 43 militants and lost three soldiers in overnight clashes and airstrikes in the conflict-ridden north-western districts near the Afghan border, officials and media reports said on Sunday.
Up to a dozen insurgents were killed on Sunday when Pakistani aircraft pounded militant hideouts in the restive Bajaur tribal district, a known hub of al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters.
"Jets targeted the positions in Khar and Mamoond areas, killing at least 12 militants and leaving many more injured," a security officials said on condition of anonymity.
Successive explosions were reported from the bombed locations, suggesting ammunition caches were also hit, the official added.