ISLAMABAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 militants were killed in an ongoing military operation in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal area during the last 24 hours, an army statement said Friday.

    Pakistani security forces have secured an important point just 3.5 kilometers from Sararogha and effectively dominate Sararogha town, the main base of Pakistan Taliban, according to the Inter Services Public Relations.

    During engagements 14 militants were killed, while two soldiers lost their lives due to militants' mortar fire and three others including an officer got injured due to an improvised explosive devices blast.

    Security forces seized a large quantity of weapons and ammunitions during operations on the Shakai-Kaniguram axis and Razmak- Makeen axis.

    On relief activities, 7,176 cash cards have been distributed amongst the displaced families of Waziristan.

    Pakistani security forces launched the ground assault on Oct. 17 in the South Waziristan, advancing towards the main base of Taliban militants in Pakistan. 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 was 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.