Pakistani forces kill over 40 militants in North Waziristan

Pakistani fighter jets Thursday killed 43 militants in North Waziristan tribal region where the security forces are battling the militants in rugged mountains, the army said.

Aerial bombing has been increased in recent days and death toll of the militants has reached nearly 200 this week.

"Twenty eight terrorists were killed Gharlamai and 15 terrorists were killed in Shawal area in North Waziristan agency in precise aerial strikes," the military said in a statement.

The security forces have increased bombing of the militants' positions following a suicide attack that killed Punjab Home Minister and 18 other people on Sunday.

The military launched the long-anticipated major offensive in North Waziristan in June last year against the Pakistani Taliban, who were blamed for most of the attacks in Pakistan.

Security officials say that nearly 2,900 militants have so far been killed and over 90 percent areas cleared of the militants.

The army chief, Gen Raheel Sharif, who visited the region last month, said the operation code-named "Zarb-e-Abab" is almost in its final stage.

Security officials say that the fleeing militants are now hiding in the rugged mountains to avoid airstrikes. Fighter jets are hitting the militants in hideouts to clear the remaining few areas, officials say.

The military spokesman, Asim Bajwa, said last month that the forces have already completed the first phase of the ground offensive in Shawal area and the second is being planned to take control of the few pockets.

The military has taken complete control of the main towns Miranshah and Mir Ali and has also started repatriation to the displaced persons to areas where the security forces have established writ.