ISLAMABAD -- The Pakistani military claims that seven militants were killed in two separate operations near the Afghan border.

They said that five militants were killed during a raid on a hideout located in Bannu's Jani Khel district. This area is the gateway to North Waziristan. Two militants were also killed in a shootout at a tribal district in North Waziristan.

Both arms and ammunition were seized by security forces, who claimed that the militants were involved in attacks against security forces in recent months.

North Waziristan, and the surrounding areas, were a refuge for militants for many years. Then came a huge military operation in 2014 to rid the area. There are still occasional attacks on forces by militants.