Official: Pakistan kills 18 militants

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A security official says 18 militants have been killed in an assault on insurgents blamed for a wave of bombings in the main northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar.

Maj. Fazlur Rehman said troops backed by helicopters and artillery launched the offensive Tuesday.

Peshawar and surrounding areas have seen a relentless wave of bombings in recent weeks that have killed more than 150 people.