At least 15 militants were killed in northwest Pakistan's military operation on Friday, local TV channel reported.

According to the Frontier Constabulary (FC) media cell, Pakistani security forces surrounded militants strongholds in Bara tribal area, killed 15 militants and injured several others during fierce clashes, the private TV Express reported.

Security forces also destroyed an ammunition dump of militants in Bara town. Sources said that heavy exchange of fire between security men and militants continues in the tribal region.

Meanwhile, an improvised explosive devices (IED) blew up on a road in Bajaur tribal agency, leaving a tribal leader dead.

Pakistani security forces are conducting military operations in neighboring tribal areas after they controlled major militants bases in South Waziristan tribal agency.

According to the army statistics, Pakistani security forces have killed more than 600 militants since they launched the ground assault on Oct. 17 in South Waziristan, advancing towards the main base of Taliban militants in Pakistan.