ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, September 16, SPA -- Security forces, backed by airsupport, pounded suspected militant hide-outs in a Talibanstronghold in Pakistan's northwest, killing eight allegedinsurgents Tuesday, an official said. Government official Iqbal Khattak, who confirmed Tuesday'sdeath toll, added that the military used helicoptergunships and fighter jets to advance in the militantstronghold, according to a report of the Associated Press.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/590542