40 militants reported slain in airstrikes

Army helicopter gunships pounded militant positions in a tribal region in the northwest, killing an estimated 40 fighters, Pakistani officials said.

Reports of the attack came hours after officials said militants had abducted 18 police officers from a checkpoint in the northwest, but the incidents did not appear to be related.

Militants are believed to be holding at least 200 soldiers they kidnapped Aug. 30 in the South Waziristan area, and have backtracked on a reported deal to free them.

The gunship attack took place in North Waziristan, a region bordering Afghanistan and home to scores of pro-Taliban fighters, army spokesman Maj. Gen. Waheed Arshad said.