At least 25 suspected militants were killed and several others injured on Sunday when Pakistani fighter jets bombed militants' hideouts in northwestern Swat valley.

Pakistan's security forces heavily pounded the hidetouts and destroyed several houses and a mosque, News Network International (NNI) news agency quoted witnesses as saying.

Local Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan confirmed the bombing and said the army's fighter planes started bombing at 8 a.m. (0300 GMT) and continued for an hour.

Pakistan has intensified its fight against militants in the restive Swat valley, which was once a renowned tourist resort and has turned to be a stronghold for Taliban militants.

Pakistan's security forces started its military operation in Swat valley on July 29.

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2008)