Pakistani officials said military jet fighters and gunship helicopters have killed nearly 30 militants in a tribal region near the Afghan border, according to the Associated Press.

A Pakistani military officer and two intelligence officials said that the airstrikes were carried out on Wednesday in North Waziristan. All three spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Local residents, speaking anonymously for fear for their safety, said the strikes also killed several civilians.The AP said, the claims could not be independently verified.

The lawless tribal area is off limits to foreign journalist and the Pakistani army didn't release any statements.

Waziristan is part of Pakistan's tribal region, which is home to local and al Qaeda-linked foreign militants who have been waging a bloody war against the state, killing thousands of people.