[Dawn] Security forces besieged the militant stronghold of Kotkai in South Waziristan after fierce clashes on Thursday.Officials said seven militants and five soldiers were killed in gunbattles in Sherwangei, Nawazkot and areas around Kotkai, the hometown of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud.
According to sources, security forces have launched the second phase of operation Rah-i-Nijat.
Officials claimed to have killed over 100 militants during the operation which started on Saturday. Around two army divisions backed by military planes and helicopters are taking part in the operation.
Security forces are reported to have advanced 3kms from Mendana and set up a checkpoint in Sheenwam. The troops are facing heavy resistance from militants who are occupying hilltops.
After besieging Kotkai, troops started a search operation in the area which has a population of about 5,000.
According to independent sources, about 300 houses have been destroyed or damaged by air strikes and artillery shelling in the area between Spinkai Raghzai and Kotkai. Officials did not confirm the report.
Militant spokesman Qari Hussain denied involvement of the banned TTP in Tuesday's suicide bombings at the International Islamic University in Islamabad and an explosion in Peshawar's Khyber Bazaar.