Islamabad: Four suspected al-Qaeda militants were killed and two others arrested by Pakistani troops in the tribal area bordering Afghanistan yesterday (Aug 23, 2004).

Pakistan Defence spokesman Major General Shoukat Sultan said the troops raided a suspected hideout of al-Qaeda and killed four militants who were all foreigners.

Two others including one local and one foreigner were arrested in the raid, he said.

Pakistan's security forces have been conducting operations to flush out an estimated 500 al-Qaeda operatives who were believed to be hiding in the inaccessible areas.