PESHAWAR: Pakistani troops backed by helicopter gunships Saturday killed 30 militants and captured key heights in a tribal area after facing tough resistance in which six soldiers were killed, officials said.

Fighting erupted at several places in Orakzai district near the Afghan border, where security forces have been pressing a new offensive to flush out Taliban believed to have fled a major offensive in South Waziristan last year.

“Security forces have taken control of important heights around Bezoti area after encountering tough resistance,” a military statement said.

“During the operation 30 terrorists were killed and many got injured,” it said.

“Six security personnel embraced martyrdom while 10 got injured,” the statement said.

Local administration and military officials said fighting erupted at several places and helicopter gunships pounded rebels’ positions in which a total of 22 militants were killed. Security forces had seized control of key heights in the area.