Pakistani fighter jets today pounded several Taliban positions in the restive Aurakzai tribal region in the northwest, killing 18 militants. Official sources said in Peshawar, that the house of the father-in-law of Taliban commander Aslam Farooqi in Mirowak area was among the targets. But it was not clear if he was among those killed. Eight militant hideouts and a girls' high school weredestroyed in the bombardment. The air strikes were carried out as large contingentsof the Pakistan Army moved into Aurakzai Agency. Troops set up check posts at Kulaba and surrounding areas and tightened security at entry points to the region, the sources said.