PESHAWAR: Pakistani troops backed by attack helicopters went on the offensive on Monday against Taliban lairs in a tribal district near the Afghan border, killing at least 12 militants, officials said. The raids took place in Orakzai, part of the lawless tribal belt where US officials say Al-Qaeda is plotting attacks on the West, and the neighbouring district of Hangu following intelligence reports of Taliban activity. “Paramilitary Frontier Corps troops backed by attack helicopters and artillery targeted militant hideouts in the two areas yesterday and today, killing 12 rebels,” a local police spokesman told AFP. A senior security official confirmed the operation, saying that paramilitary troops entered Shahukhel area in Orkazai on Monday to hunt down rebels.