ISLAMABAD, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's security forces have moved into the town of Makeen, which is considered as the base headquarters of Taliban militants in the South Waziristan tribal agency, the army said Friday in a daily press release.

    The military said that the troops have killed 24 more militants and apprehended one during the last 24 hours, bringing the total fatality to 450, as the operation in the northwest tribal area steadily progressed towards the Taliban strongholds in South Waziristan.

    During the ground assault along the three main axes in the tribal area near the border with Afghanistan, the army said, the security forces are consolidating and strengthening their positions around Sararogha and Ladha, and the troops have entered Makeen.

    The security forces also recovered some weapons and ammunition during the operation coded as Rah-e-Nijat, or path of salvation, it said.

    Meanwhile, in the ending operation in Swat and Malakand, three militants have been arrested in different areas and three terrorists have voluntarily surrendered around Mingora, according to the statement.

    On relief activities, so far 7,922 cash cards have been distributed amongst the displaced families of Waziristan, and army free medical camps have been established at Wana and Shakai from Nov. 2 to Nov. 6, the army said.

    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.

Special Report: Pakistani Situation