DHAKA: At least seven militants were killed inside their hideout on Friday in a high-intensity explosion in Pakistan’s restive tribal region, officials said.

The blast occurred in a compound in Sundana Teera area of Khyber, one of the seven tribal districts in the country, where Taliban militants have their hideouts.

An official from the area confirmed the blast and the casualties, reports the Times of India.

He said the exact nature of explosion was not known but added that these kinds of blast are usually caused by explosives stored illegally without following safety measures.

Parts of Khyber are controlled by Mangal Bagh of Lashkar-e-Islam militant outfit.

Pakistan Army launched an operation in the areas last year and so far had killed more than 200 militants.

The military is also focused on banned Lashkar-e-Islam, which has so far claimed over 300 lives in the area, and surrendering of more than 400 militants.

BDST: 1640 HRS, JAN 9, 2015