At least 60 militants and five Pakistani soldiers have been killed according to Pakistani authorites as an offensive continues against the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

More than 30,000 troops are said to be involved in the operation on the group’s strongholds in South Waziristan along the Afghan border. Security experts say this is the country’s toughest test against an insurgency that is gaining in strength and confidence. Insurgents in the region have defeated Pakistani troops on three occasions since 2001 with truces leaving the Taliban in control. This time, however, the military says there will be no deals. Up to 150,000 civilians have already left the area but the UN says as many as 350,000 people are remaining.More about: Military, Pakistan, Taliban

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