More than 700 militants killed in Bajaur military offensive

Islamabad: Pakistan's security forces killed more than 700 militants since starting an offensive in the Bajaur tribal region bordering Afghanistan about six weeks ago, the military said.

Security personnel, backed by fighter jets and helicopters, have attacked hideouts in districts including Loe Sam, Tang Khata and Bai Cheena, an official reported, citing unidentified military officials.

At least 19 gunmen were killed in a battle on Wednesday, Major Murad Khan, a military spokesman, said by telephone from the capital, Islamabad. "The militants' headquarters and fortified positions around Loe Sam have been engaged with artillery and helicopter attacks,'' he said.

Pakistan has rejected criticism by the US and Nato that it is failing to control pro-Taliban and Al Qaida fighters using bases in border areas to carry out attacks inside Afghanistan. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's government objects to the US firing missiles and staging raids into its territory against terrorist camps.

More than 150 gunmen were killed in clashes in Bajaur in the past few days, Khan said on Wednesday. The fighting has forced an estimated 250,000 people to flee their homes.

Admiral Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday with Gilani, said that the US will respect Pakistan's sovereignty.

US-Pakistani cooperation will be developed on "issues that challenge the security and wellbeing of the people of both countries,'' the embassy cited Mullen as saying.