The army has said that it will regain control of the region from Taleban and al-Qaeda militants within the next three months.

The army reported that five top militants were among those killed in the Bajaur operation. The area is one of the most unstable of Pakistan's tribal areas. There has been no word from militants in relation to the army's claims.

Maj-Gen Tariq Khan estimated that 65 percent of the militant problem would be eliminated if militants were defeated in Bajaur.