Islamabad: At least 22 militants, including several would-be suicide bombers, were gunned down by Pakistani security forces today in two districts of the restive North West Frontier Province.

Seventeen militants were killed in Hangu district of the region while exchanging fire with the security forces, after their vehicle was stopped at a check post near Doaba.

A militant, who refused to stop after stepping out of the vehicle, exploded when the troops fired at him, while the other militants in the vehicle opened fire at the security forces, an official statement said.

The vehicle too exploded when the troops retaliated.

"It is believed that the explosion took place as another suicide bomber was sitting inside the vehicle," it said.

One militant was apprehended while a security official was injured in the shootout. Police officials told reporters that they suspected several would-be suicide bombers to be among the dead militants.

In the adjoining tribal region of Bajaur, where troops are carrying out a major operation against the Pakistani Taliban, gunship helicopters killed another five rebels.

Three militants died when gunship helicopters destroyed their vehicles outside the town of Khar. Two others were killed when helicopters targeted a compound in Salarzai village, an official said. Eleven suspected militants were injured in another strike near the same village.

Meanwhile, a police official was killed and two paramilitary personnel were injured in a rocket attack on a police station at Badabher on the outskirts of NWFP capital Peshawar late last night.

Militants fired several rockets at the police station, officials said today.
Source : PTI