Eighteen Taliban were killed in the last 24 hours, while two soldiers were martyred and another 12 injured, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Major General Athar Abbas said on Monday.He told journalists at a press conference that security forces were advancing from three fronts: on the Jandola--Sararogha axis, on the Shakai-Ladha axis and from the south and southwest of Razmak. He said security forces had surrounded Kotkai, the hometown of Qari Hussain - widely regarded as the "mentor of suicide bombers" - and secured Tor Ghundai (east of Kotkai) and Shishwarm (northeast of Kotkai). He said the forces were consolidating positions after securing Sherwangi despite stiff resistance. He said several terrorists were killed in heavy fighting.
Abbas said security forces were also consolidating their positions in the south and southwest of Razmak despite rocket fire from Makeen.