Pakistan’s army said today it has captured a key militant stronghold near the Afghan border, a breakthrough in an offensive against the Taliban and al-Qaida. It acknowledged for the first time that 95 civilians had died during the offensive.

Pakistani security forces killed 10 suspected militants and wounded 25 others today in new clashes near the Afghan border, a government official said.

PAKISTANI forces bombed dozens of houses in a tribal region near the Afghan border yesterday, officials and witnesses said, amid reports that days of clashes have killed at least 100 insurgents and nine paramilitary troops.

Pakistani forces bombed dozens of houses in a tribal region near the Afghan border today, officials and witnesses said, amid reports that days of clashes have killed at least 100 insurgents and nine paramilitary troops.

Security officials say Pakistani troops have killed at least 25 militants in fighting near the Afghan border.