Islamabad, Oct 3 (IANS): At least 15 suspected militants were killed Friday in airstrikes carried out by Pakistani security forces.

The suspected militants were killed in Jamrud and Bara areas of northwestern Pakistan's Khyber tribal region, Dawn online reported citing the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Three militant hideouts were also destroyed in the strikes in the area.

The latest strikes are part of the ongoing military operation codenamed Zarb-i-Azb.

The operation was initiated June 15 after the Taliban and their ethnic Uzbek allies both claimed responsibility for an attack on Karachi airport and peace talks failed between the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan negotiators.

Khyber is one of Pakistan’s seven semi-autonomous regions governed by tribal laws and lies near the Afghan border. The Taliban and other Al Qaeda-linked groups, who stage attacks in both countries, are known to have strongholds in the zone.