Thirty militants and six soldiers have been killed in an operation held by Pakistani troops in the country's northwest, the Voice of America has said.
Both ground forces and helicopters were reportedly involved in Saturday's operation in the Orakzai tribal region near the Afghan border.
Pakistani military officials were quoted as saying they had taken control of important heights around the Bezoti area, a militant stronghold in the region. Six militants were reportedly captured as a result of the operation.
The Pakistani military launched an offensive against Taliban insurgents in Orakzai in March.
Violence surged in the country in 2009, with Taliban militants staging regular attacks on provincial government officials, police and civilians and planting roadside devices as part of its fight against U.S. and NATO troops.
MOSCOW, April 4 (RIA Novosti)
