[Dawn] The military said on Friday that the death toll in the assault on the Taliban rose to more than 160 on the seventh day of intense fighting in South Waziristan.Thirteen militants, including six Uzbeks, have died since the last death toll, bringing the overall number of militants killed during the operation to 142, a statement said.
In addition, two troops have been killed in the offensive around the tribal region, where authorities say scores of Al Qaeda and Taliban-linked attacks have been masterminded, bringing the overall number of dead personnel to 20.
Some of the most 'intense fighting' has been between the Taliban stronghold of Sararogha and Jandola, home of a large military base, where the army said seven militants had been killed and Uzbek-language books confiscated.
Backed by helicopter gunships and warplanes, troops have been locked in heavy fighting aimed at dislodging Taliban from bastions such as Kotkai, the hometown of TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud.
The military said it had secured the ridge of Shishamwan behind Kotkai, after an 'intense engagement' allowing troops to besiege Kotkai from the east.
Around 30,000 troops are taking part in the offensive against an estimated 10-12,000 militants in the tribal area.
Relief workers say that more than 120,000 people have been displaced by the fighting.
Taliban and Al Qaeda-linked extremists have carried out a two-year campaign of suicide bombings and raids that have killed 2,280 people.--