By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 22 militants killed Sunday when Pakistan military retaliated an attack on its base in the northwest tribal region.
The security forces backed by gunship helicopters killed 22 militants in the restive Arakzai Agency, Geo TV reported quoting official sources.
The troops killed 10 militants who attacked an army base with rockets and automatic weapons. Later, military helicopter gunships pounded the hideouts in nearby Ferozkhel area, killing 12 militants, the sources said.
The security forces have regained control of Gaidra, which has long been a stronghold of militants, they added.
The region has been a safe haven for the Pakistani Taliban headed by Hakimullah Mehsud, who is believed to have been killed in a US missile strike in North Waziristan early this year.