'US missiles' kill 20 militants

Witnesses said the missiles destroyed two houses close to each other and rescue workers were seen removing debris amid fears that more people could be trapped inside.

Local militants cordoned off the area and journalists were not allowed access to the site. Residents said the houses were part of a militant training camp.

Meanwhile, at least 25 people, mostly militants, were killed on Wednesday when helicopter gunships strafed villages in Bajaur, taking the death toll from a week of fighting there to more than 180, officials and witnesses said.

Residents said people were fleeing to safer places in adjoining areas but Taliban militants were erecting road blocks to prevent the exodus.

Monitoring Desk adds: Militants ambushed an army vehicle at Kariwam area in Jandola, killing two soldiers while five others sustained injuries, the BBC reported Wednesday quoting officials.  

The injured were shifted to a hospital in Bannu.