ISLAMABAD, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- At least 25 militants were killed during the last 24 hours as Pakistani security forces achieved substantial success in ongoing military operation in the country's tribal area, an army press release said Wednesday.

    The important stronghold of Kaniguram has been surrounded from three directions and forces have made good progress on Jandola-Saroragha axis along with securing important heights in Nawazkot area on Razmak-Makeen Axis, the Inter Services Public Relations said.

    In last 24 hours, 25 militants were killed and huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered while five security men were injured.

    On Jandola-Sararogha axis, security forces are progressing well and securing heights along the main road from Kotkai to Sararogha that are overlooking Sararogha, the main base of Pakistani Taliban.

    On Shakai-Kaniguram axis, in a bold move security forces achieved surprise by securing important features around Kaniguram,the major stronghold of terrorists and important base of Uzbeks.

    Pakistani security forces launched the operation on Oct. 17 morning 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 and is likely to continue for six to eight weeks, but no final deadline can be given.

Special Report: Pakistani Situation