48 militants killed in air strikes in Pakistan

At least 48 militants were killed on Tuesday in airstrikes by Pakistani fighter jets in the country's troubled northwestern tribal region.

The hideouts of militants in North Waziristan and Khyber tribal areas were targeted in the fresh air strikes.

Cobra gunship helicopters targeted militants in North Waziristan after jets hit their positions in North Waziristan and Khyber tribal regions, a military spokesperson said in a statement.

"Thirty more terrorists were killed and nine vehicles and several motorcycles belonging to terrorists were also destroyed," the statement said.

The exact place where militants were attacked by gunships was not identified by the army.

Earlier, the military said in a separate statement that five hideouts were wiped out in Khyber while seven in North Waziristan.

"Eighteen terrorists were killed in aerial strikes at both places," it said.

Army says terrorist command and control systems were also eliminated.

Pakistan had launched operation in North Waziristan in June after militants attacked Karachi international airport. More than 650 militants have been killed so far in the operation with the latest deaths.