Pakistani security forces claimed to have killed 45 pro-Taliban militants, including potential suicide bombers, in airstrikes during a massive operation in the volatile northwestern Khyber tribal region on Tuesday.

The airstrikes were carried out in Nari Baba, Nakai, Takhta Kai and Qilla areas of Tirah valley, sources said.

Official sources said among the militants were those who were preparing to carry out suicide attacks before the Eid-ul-Fitr festival next month. The sources said the militants were planning to carry out massive suicide attacks in Peshawar and other parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

The operation was launched against members of the banned Lashkar-e-Islam and local Taliban in parts of the remote Tirah valley located close to the Afghan border.

Troops claimed to have destroyed scores of training centres and hideouts, several illegal FM radio stations and eight vehicles prepared for suicide attacks.