Islamabad, Nov 4 (IANS) Pakistani security forces have stormed a Taliban stronghold in South Waziristan killing at least 30 militants, as a fierce battle rages in the volatile region bordering Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday.
The army said heavy fighting erupted on the streets of Ladha town after security forces stormed the area. Thirty militants were killed in 24 hours till Wednesday evening. Eight soldiers were injured.

Around 30,000 soldiers were deployed in South Waziristan to take on an estimated 10,000 hardcore Taliban militants holed up in the area.

According to officials, at least 400 insurgents have been killed since the Pakistan Army launched its operation Oct 17, Xinhua reported.

In a separate incident Wednesday, 24 militants were captured in the Swat and Malakand regions.