(AKI) - Pakistani security forces killed at least 33 militants on Thursday, among them foreigners in the restive Swat valley in North West Frontier Province and the Bajaur tribal area bordering Afghanistan. Pakistan's Geo News says that security forces used fighter jets and artillery to pound militants' hideouts in the area of Tehsil Matta, killing 16.In a separate incident, eight others were killed when mortar shells landed on houses in the Alam Ganj area of Tehsil Khawazakhela.
Earlier on Thursday, nine militants, among them seven Uzbek nationals were killed by Pakistani security forces in Bajaur.
The Pakistani government launched a major offensive against militants in Bajaur three months ago and Pakistani troops and tribal militias are continuing to battle Taliban guerrillas there.