The Pakistani army says it has killed 19 militants in a battle for control of a Taliban stronghold in South Waziristan.
The fighting came amid an ongoing air and ground offensive to defeat the Pakistani Taliban.
Pakistani officials say troops captured the village of Ghalai after meeting strong resistance that also left six soldiers dead.
Pakistani soldiers stand guard as civilians fleeing S. Waziristan queue near relief distribution point in Dera Ismail Khan, 26 Oct 2009The casualty figures, announced Monday, could not be independently verified because journalists are not allowed to travel with the troops.
About 30,000 Pakistani troops have been advancing on an estimated 10,000 militants from three directions.
To the north, militants attacked a security post in the town of Hangu. The army says 15 militants and one soldier were killed.
Deadly Taliban attacks across Pakistan led authorities to close schools last week. Many of the schools reopened Monday.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
