(RTTNews) - Ten days of major military onslaught in Pakistan's troubled north-western region so far has killed 200 insurgents and 30 soldiers, according to military officials.

The military has made major inroads into South Waziristan, the birthplace of Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud.

In the latest incidents, 11 soldiers and 40 militants were killed since Sunday night.

Nearly two dozen militants armed with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades attacked a checkpoint in the Mattak area of the Bajaur tribal district Monday, triggering an intense fight that killed four soldiers and injured two others. Six terrorists were killed in military retaliation.

A security post in Hangu in the North-West Frontier Province came under attack Monday prompting a heavy firefight in which 15 Taliban militants were killed.
The army claimed that it regained control of Ghalai village and the adjoining areas from Taliban, as its troops advanced into the militant group's heartland. 10 terrorists and six soldiers were killed in the battle, a military statement said.

Saturday, the forces achieved a major breakthrough when troops captured the strategic town of Kotkai after days of fierce fighting.

The all-out military offensive has triggered one of the biggest evacuations that South Asian country has witnessed, with up to 100,000 civilians fleeing the conflict zone.

The militants, including some al-Qaeda cadres, are offering stiff resistance to the military. The Taliban fighters are employing guerrilla tactics, taking advantage of the rugged mountainous terrain.

by RTT Staff Writer

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