Helicopter gunship on Thursday pounded a militant hideout in central Kurram agency, killing at least 20 insurgents and injuring 25 others, an official said. The army launched the strike in Chinarak area of Kurram tribal region after receiving intelligence reports about insurgents gathering there.
The choppers also destroyed an explosives-laden vehicle being prepared for suicide attack, the official said. Kurram is located near the Afghan border. Many Taliban militants escaping the army operation in the nearby Orakzai tribal region are believed to have fled there. The area where forces targeted the militants is believed to be the hub of Taliban outfits and al Qaeda operatives.