The Pakistani Army says air strikes have killed 40 suspected militants in the country's lawless tribal areas.

The attacks took place in the Shawal area of the North Waziristan tribal region, near the volatile border with Afghanistan. 

The army has been waging an offensive in North Waziristan against militant hideouts since June last year.

The military said in a statement on August 16 that "in precise aerial strikes, 40 terrorists were killed this afternoon in Shawal." 

It said it had reports that several others were wounded, without giving details.

The army's claims could not be independently verified. 

Based on reporting by AFP and dpa