Pakistan steps up war against pro-Taliban militants

The Pakistani army has intensified military operations against pro-Taliban militants in South Waziristan a day after launching an offensive in the lawless border region.

The army pounded several militant hideouts -- claiming it has killed 60 insurgents in the past 24 hours.

The heavily armed and well-trained militants, estimated between 10,000 and 20,000, in return showed strong resistance as fighter jets bombed the volatile areas.

Five Pakistani troops were also killed during heavy clashes in the remote tribal area on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani military says it has blocked all entry and exit points of Waziristan.

Pakistan's military spokesman Major-General Athar Abbas said the troops had surrounded the militants in their main stronghold.

However, Abbas admitted the troops were progressing slowly because of the area's rugged and mountainous terrain.

"It (the military offensive) has started. It will be premature, too early to comment on any success or any victory, but the operation is progressing well."

The army offensives come after a wave of militant attacks killed more than 175 people across Pakistan during a rampage that lasted nearly two weeks.

Army officials say the militants are supported by hundreds of al-Qaeda linked Arab and Uzbek fighters and the ongoing operation against them could last for about two months and have warned that militant response to the government offensive will most likely be an upsurge in attacks.

More than 100,000 people have been displaced as a result of the clashes.