Pakistan’s military says its warplanes struck three hideouts at a Taliban stronghold near the Afghan border, killing 35 militants.

Officials say the air strikes early Wednesday targeted the North Waziristan tribal region, where the military has been conducting a major offensive in recent months. The army says its operation has killed more than 900 militants.

The area is off limits to journalists, making it impossible to independently confirm military figures.  

North Waziristan has long been the home to a mix of local and al-Qaida-linked militants, as well as armed groups that carry out cross-border attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan. The United States has long pressed Pakistan to take action to wipe out militant sanctuaries in the region.
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