Pakistan's security forces kill 7 militants in northwest

ISLAMABAD, March 1 -- Pakistan's security forces Sunday used gunship helicopters and artillery to bomb positions of suspected militants in the country's northwest, killing at least seven of them.

The private NNI news agency quoted a security official as saying that security forces, on a tip from the local authorities, launched operation at the Lachi area in Kohat.

Kohat is located near the tribal region of Darra Adam Khel, where Taliban have been active till recent weeks. Taliban in Darrahave kidnapped and beheaded a Polish engineer after the government's refusal to release militants.

Two militants were also injured in the operation, the official said, adding that five others were arrested and hideouts of the militants were destroyed.

Locals said that both sides exchanged heavy fire for several hours, resulting in the closure of roads.

Meanwhile a convoy of security forces came under attack Sunday in Swat and a security personnel was injured in the incident.

The attack came around two weeks after the militants and the government announced ceasefire.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Officials said that the security forces were taking a sick soldier to a medical center when unidentified gunmen fired at them at the Sarsenai area of Swat.