MINGORA: The Pakistani army says security forces have killed about 35 militants in a Taliban stronghold in the northwest of the country.

An army statement said security forces were responding to attacks from militants based around a series of emerald mines in the Swat Valley.

It said two soldiers also died Wednesday in a roadside bomb blast in the north of the valley.

U.S. officials have been pressing their Pakistani allies hard to take tougher action against Islamist militants threatening both Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan.