ISLAMABAD (TIP): At least 15 militants were killed on October 3 in air strikes by Pakistani military in the restive northwestern tribal region, where the security forces have launched a major offensive to wipe out the Taliban.

The attacks were launched in Jamrud and Bara sub-divisions of Khyber district where al-Qaida linked rebels have safe havens.

Army said that 15 terrorists were killed in the attacks which also destroyed their three hideouts.

The Taliban and other al-Qaida-linked groups, which stage attacks in both Pakistan and Afghanistan are known to have strongholds in the tribal region.

Pakistan launched operation Zarb-i-Azb, a much-awaited military campaign, to clear insurgent bases from North Waziristan, following a bloody assault on Karachi airport ended faltering peace talks with the insurgents.

The militant attack on the airport killed 37 people. The military claims it has killed nearly 1,000 militants and lost 82 soldiers since the start of the operation.