DHAKA: Officials in northwest Pakistan say military gunship helicopters have carried out a strike against a militant hideout, killing nine suspected insurgents.

Authorities say the military launched the strike Saturday in the village of Thal in the Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, reports Voice of America.

Earlier in the week, Pakistani military authorities say fighter jets bombed militant hideouts in the North Waziristan tribal region, killing 15 suspected insurgents.  

Wednesday’s attacks were focused on the town of Mir Ali, where militant activity is prevalent.

One government official said a cache of weapons and ammunition was seized during the attack.

Also this past week, a Taliban faction claimed it had killed 23 kidnapped Pakistani soldiers.

After that report, peace talks between representatives of the Taliban and Pakistani officials stalled. Government officials say a cease-fire must be in place before talks can resume.

BDST: 1837 HRS, FEB 22, 2014