Pakistan security forces: 8 killed in raids

Pakistani security forces say they raided militant hideouts in two different operations in former Taliban strongholds in North Waziristan on Saturday, killing eight Islamic militants.

In a statement, the military said the two intelligence-based operations in Boya and Dosali killed three commanders of the Pakistani Taliban in an exchange of fire with security forces.

The military said the slain local Taliban commanders were involved in militant activities against security forces and civilians.

Pakistani militants have in recent months stepped up their activities in the region, raising fears they were regrouping in the area, which was a former Taliban stronghold.