Air strikes kill 15 militants in Pakistan

At least 15 militants were killed on Tuesday when Pakistani fighter jets pounded targets in the country's northwestern tribal region, a day after a brazen Taliban assault on Karachi airport.

The early morning air strikes were launched at Taliban hideouts in Tirah valley of Khyber tribal agency.

A military official said that nine hideouts of terrorists were destroyed near Pak-Aghan border.

"As per initial reports 15 terrorists are killed," the official said.

Military sources said the death toll could be higher.

No further details were immediately available.

The attack came a day after the deadly assault at Karachi international airport in which 12 security personnel, 8 civilian and 10 terrorists were killed.

The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the attack.