Islamabad: Launching a fresh offensive against al-Qaeda suspects in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, Pakistani fighter jets and helicopter gunships today (June 17, 2004) pounded suspected militant hideouts in the region even as the ground troops captured more than 10 foreign militants.

After a three-day gap, the air strike was conducted in Angoor Adda, a small town in South Waziristan, reports reaching Islamabad said.

The aerial bombing was carried out in the morning, eye-witnesses said. There were no reports of casualties.

Pakistan Defence spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan said that skirmishes between suspected foreign militants and security forces continued today and more than 10 foreign militants were captured.

He said hideouts of the militants would be destroyed whenever any information is received about such places.

Reports from Waziristan said around 25 helicopter gunships of the Pakistan Army took part in the operation near Angoor Adda, located about 60 kilometres to the west of Wana, the capital of Waziristan.

Sultan said that the military is conducting search operations for the militants, who continue to attack security forces.

He said that last night the militants again attacked a paramilitary check-post, but there was no casualty.

Sultan said the militants suffered heavy losses in yesterday's clashes, leaving behind two bodies. The militants were also seen taking away the bodies of their colleagues.

He said one paramilitary official was killed in the operation.