Pakistani forces claim to have killed 30 al Qaeda and Taliban loyalists in a strategically important tribal region on the Afghan border. Officials said on Saturday that three soldiers, including two army officers, were also killed in the fighting, which began Friday, in the Bajaur region described by the military officials as a 'center of gravity' for the militants.
The security forces backed by helicopter gun ships pounded their positions in the Loi Sam and Rashakai areas.
Military spokesperson Major Murad Khan said 25 militants were killed in fighting on Friday. A military official said five more insurgents were killed on Saturday.
In other news on Saturday , security forces continued search operations against militants in different localities of Mathni and Adezai Union councils near Darra Adamkhel and arrested at least 35 suspects sources said.