Pakistani security forces are to withdraw from a tribal area near the western borders, reportedly after a deal with militants.

Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Safdar Hussain announced the withdrawal of troops and removal of temporary check posts from the Wana subdivision of the South Waziristan area at a meeting of tribal elders in Peshawar, reports Xinhua.

The forces have been mounting an offensive for weeks in the area, arresting several alleged militants and busting their hideouts.

Sources said the government had reached a deal with five militant leaders, promising them clemency in return for an end to their rebellion.

Militants also promised to deny shelter to foreign mercenaries if the government compensated their property damage and released prisoners, according to the sources.

Hussain also announced the release of innocent prisoners at the meeting.

--Indo-Asian News Service