30 militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - Thirty militants were killed in clashes with the military in northwest Pakistan Wednesday. One soldier also died, Xinhua reported.

The fatalities occurred when the army moved in to take control of the Rahktaan area in Upper Orakzai, Express TV reported. Four security personnel were hurt.

The Pakistan Army had declared victory over the Taliban in the restive Orakzai Agency in June after a year-long offensive.

However, periodic clashes have dampened the hopes of some 200,000 displaced people of returning to their homes. Thousands of Pakistanis had fled the area a year ago after the anti-insurgency operations intensified.