Clashes in Pakistan's tribal region bordering Afghanistan killed 16 rebels and two soldiers, the military said Sunday. "In a successful operation, security forces last night captured Kismat Sur and Sanghar - two hideouts of militants in Tirah valley," it said. "Three security personnel were also injured." Tirah, a mountainous territory in the Khyber region, holds strategic importance as it shares boundaries with the Kurram and Orakzai tribal districts, as well as Afghanistan, according to a report of the Associated Press.