ISLAMABAD, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The gunship helicopters and fighter jets Saturday pounded on the hideouts of extremists in Pakistan's northwestern tribal agency, killing 12 militants, local TV channel reported.

    The sources said the security forces destroyed at least three hideouts of militants and killed 12 extremists in Orakzai Tribal Agency.

    Meanwhile, 12 pro-government tribal militias, known as lashkars, and three militants were killed during clash in Mohmand Tribal Agency.

    Islamabad has encouraged local tribesmen in the semiautonomous frontier areas to establish militias to flush out Taliban fighters blamed for attacks in Pakistan as well as in Afghanistan.

Special Report: Pakistani Situation