ISLAMABAD, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 militants were killed Saturday during military operations in northwest Pakistan's tribal area, local TV channel reported.

    According to the private channel ARY News, Taliban militants fired rockets and attacked with automatic weapons at a security checkpost in Asman Munza of South Waziristan tribal agency. Five militants were killed and a security man lost his life during the clash.

    Besides, the militants attacked a Frontier Corps (FC) post in Khyber tribal agency's Bara tehsil. Security forces retaliated and pounded militant hideouts in different parts of the agency, killing six militants.

    Security was beefed up around the FC camp and a search operation was underway.

    Pakistani security forces conduct military operations in neighboring Khyber and Orakai agencies and while controlling major bases of Taliban militants in South Waziristan.

    Local media reported Saturday that militant commander Zahidur Rehman, who was trying to go abroad, has been arrested from Peshawar airport.

    According to the army statistics, Pakistani security forces have killed more than 600 militants since they launched the ground assault on Oct. 17 in the South Waziristan, advancing towards the main base of Taliban militants in Pakistan.

Special Report: Pakistani Situation