At least 22 militants were killed and 26 injured in a crackdown by the security forces in Upper Orakzai Agency, officials said on Thursday. The security forces pounded the hideouts of the terrorists located in Upper Orakzai Agency’s Sama Bazaar, Berlas and Barmila areas. Sources said the aircraft attacked militant’s compounds in the mountains and at least five hideouts were destroyed in the airstrikes. Pakistan’s military has been battling a homegrown insurgency in northwestern tribal region. At least 35,000 people, including military personnel, have lost their lives during the campaign against the extremists.