Pakistani Airstrikes Kill 17 Suspected Militants

Pakistani fighter jets have attacked militant positions in the northwestern tribal region along the Afghan border, killing at least 17 suspected militants.

A local government official, Javed Khan, said Tuesday's airstrikes took place in the Orakzai tribal area, a known militant stronghold. Khan said at least six other militants were wounded.

It is not possible to independently verify the information because the region is largely off-limits to independent journalists.

The air strikes are the most recent attempt by the Pakistan military to root out Taliban and al-Qaida-linked fighters operating in the country's tribal areas.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.