40 militants killed South Waziristan

Islamabad, Jan.24 : Forty militants have been killed and 30 captured in fighting between militants and security forces in Pakistan's South Waziristan region, a military spokesman has said.

Eight soldiers have been killed and 32 others wounded in raids on militant hideouts backed by artillery and helicopters, a military statement said.

Earlier troops had hit militant positions with artillery fire.

South and North Waziristan, adjoining the Afghan border, are strongholds of militants allied to the Taleban. The BBC quoted the military as saying that the militants had been killed in a series of raids on Wednesday and early on Thursday.

Thirty militants had been arrested from a number of hideouts near the Afghan border during the raids, the statement said.

In the latest fighting, militants are reported to have responded to the army artillery attacks by firing missiles at security positions. There are reports of people moving out of the area and walking for miles to reach secure zones.

The government has set up a temporary camp for displaced people in the Tank district of North West Frontier Province, where tents and food have been made available.

Earlier, security forces have carried out operations in Spinkai Raghzai, Nawazkot, Tiarza and its surrounding areas, where all militants have been reportedly cleared out of these areas.

Security forces have also moved three tanks in Jandola to protect military convoys that are on the move as the army advances in the area.

ANI