国际英语新闻:Pakistani forces kill 25 terrorists, destroy 8 hideouts

ISLAMABAD, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani fighter jets on Monday continued air strikes on the militants' positions in North Waziristan tribal region, killing 25 terrorists and destroying eight hideouts, the military said.

Two soldiers were also killed in battles with the militants, the army spokesman said.

The security forces launched the much-anticipated major operation against the local and foreign armed groups on June 15, days after the Pakistani Taliban and Uzbek militants attacked the country's main airport at Karachi.

The security forces have so far used air power to target the hideouts of the militants. Over 300 militants have so far been killed and dozens of their hideouts destroyed.

Giving details of the losses of the militants on Monday, the statement said eight terrorist's hideouts around Mir Ali, a main town in North Waziristan Agency, were destroyed by jet aircraft early morning and 15 terrorists were killed in the strikes. Tunnels used by the militants were spotted in the targeted areas.

While the operation "Zarb-e-Azb" progresses according to plan, terrorists inside cordoned area are making desperate attempts to flee the area, the military said, adding that "several attempts by terrorists to flee from cordoned off area have been foiled." Ten terrorists were killed while fleeing the cordoned off area in Spinwam and Mir Ali.

The day time curfew was eased to facilitate evacuation of left- over locals. A total of 41,4429 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been registered so far at a main check post. The army has asked the people to leave North Waziristan for safe places.

The army said four relief goods delivery points have been established at Bannu, a major city near the tribal region where foodstuff, medical care and cash provided by federal government will be distributed by the concerned civil agency among IDPs.

A field medical hospital by army medical corps is being established at Bannu to provide medical relief.