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Pakistani security officials say at least 30 militants, possibly including a top commander, have been killed in airstrikes in northwestern Pakistan.

They say today (Saturday)that fighter jets started pounding militant hideouts in the Swat Valley late Friday.

A military spokesman (Major Nasir Ali)says Pakistan forces are working to flush militants from the area.

The operation in Swat follows the Pakistani government's offensive against Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants in Bajaur tribal region.

More than 500 militants have been killed and thousands of people have been displaced since the Bajaur operation began.

Elsewhere in the northwest, Pakistani troops stopped a suicide attack short of its target, a military base, on Friday.