ISLAMABAD, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 19 militants were killed during military operation in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal area in the last 24 hours, while six security men lost their lives and 20 were wounded, an army statement said Monday.

    On Jandola-Sararogha Axis, security forces moved forward from Kotkai, the hometown of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud and secured important road leading to Inzar Kalle and Sararogha, the main base of TTP, according to the Inter Services Public Relations.

    Security forces also secured Gharlai village on main road from Kotkai to Sararogha and the adjoining ridges. During engagement 10militants were killed while six soldiers lost their lives and 14 others were injured.

    On Shakai-Kaniguram axis, after the village of Chalwastai was completely cleared the security forces moved forward and surrounded village Sarwek and took control of surrounding ridges. The complete area has been cleared of militants and clearance operation to remove mines, Improvised Explosive Devices and booby traps is underway.

    During engagements seven militants were killed while five soldiers got injured.

    In Razmak two militants were killed while one soldier got injured due to sniper fire.

    Separately, security forces arrested a close associate of Maulana Fazlullah, the head of the Swat chapter of the Pakistani Taliban, in the restive Charbagh area of North West Frontier Province. Important documents and CDs also recovered from him.

    Pakistani security forces launched the operation on Oct. 17 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.

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

Special Report: Pakistani Situation