Islamabad, Oct 31 (IANS): Pakistan handed over 29 Afghans arrested during a military operation in its northwestern tribal region to Afghan authorities, the army said Friday.

The Pakistani security forces had launched a major offensive against the Pakistani and foreign militants in North Waziristan in June after peace dialogue with the Taliban collapsed.

The military says that fighter jets are targeting all armed groups, including the Haqqani Netowrk, who have taken shelter in the region.

Security officials say that over 100 local and foreign militants have been killed during the operation codenamed Zarb-e-Azab so far.

"Twenty-nine Afghan nationals who were in custody of Pakistani security forces were handed over to Afghanistan at Ghlam Khan on Pak - Afghan border today as good will gesture," Xinhua quoted a military statement as saying.

"These Afghans were apprehended during Operation Zarb-e-Azab from different areas of North Waziristan Agency," the military said.

It said a detailed investigation found that these individuals did not have links with terrorists, but were illegal immigrants without valid documents.