ISLAMABAD, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- In last 24 hours, 15 militants have been killed during the Pakistani security forces operation in the country's tribal area of South Waziristan, according to an army press release Sunday.

    That brought the figure of the militants killed to 178 since Operation Rah-e-Nijat, or Path of Salvation, started on Oct. 17.

    It said that one soldier died and three others were injured in the operation against Taliban militants in Pakistan's tribal area bordering Afghanistan.

    After intense engagements, the press release said, security forces secured the significant mountain top of Tarkona Narai after an effort lasting 16 hours and also progressed well on Jandola-Sararogha Axis securing important ridges.

    The security forces also recovered ammunitions including guns, rockets, and mortar bombs.

    The security forces launched the operation at 03:00 local time Saturday morning (2100 GMT Friday) in the South Waziristan tribal agency bordering Afghanistan.

    The army said that about 30,000 soldiers are in place to take on an estimated 10,000 hard-core Taliban militants in the lawless area. About 500 commandos arrived in the region on Friday.

    The military said that the operation is launched in six towns of the area and is likely to continue for six to eight weeks, but no final deadline can be given.

Special Report: Pakistani Situation