The suspected militants were killed as jet fighters carried out airstrikes along with a search operation in various areas of Khyber Agency.
Intelligence intercepts suggest that scores of militants were killed in the airstrikes, including those suspected of involvement in recent attacks in Badbher, Charsadda, at the vegetable market in Islamabad and in Chaman, sources said.
While security sources put the toll at 16, Dawn News reported that at least 24 militants were killed.
According to security sources, military jets pounded terrorists hideouts early morning.
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The airstrikes in Akakhel area of Bara were aimed at the outlawed Lahskar-i-Islam and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The attacks came in midst of the ongoing peace talks between the government and the Pakistani Taliban.
The attacks were carried out on insurgent hideouts in the Spera Dam, Merokhel, Tirrah valley's Kokhikhel area and the surrounding areas of Akakhel.