Pakistan army: Military offensive progressing

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Pakistan's military, said on Tuesday that troops are making progress in their offensive against the Tabilan in South Wazi-ristan, near the Afghan border.

Tens of thousands of civilians have fled the region. Most are in anticipation of the operation.

The Pakistani military says that troops backed by aerial bombing are steadily advancing on three fronts, while also meeting some stiff resistance.

On Monday, the army captured Kotkai, a strategic town, and the birthplace of Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud.

Insurgents struck back on Tuesday and retook the area.

The army says the operation is far from over.

Athar Abbas, Pakistani Military Spokesman, said, "This is a mountainous terrain and, therefore, the operations tend to be slow. You have to go and occupy heights, and clear the heights, and then go on another height in order to secure the valley and the route."

The is no evidence of militants trying to flee the battle zone. Pakistan's army, in fact, has taken every measure to block all the routes.

Athar Abbas, Pakistani Military Spokesman, said, "We are very confident that we will be able to block any bulk of movement, terrorists in bulk moving out of the area, or moving into the area."

The army says that 90 insurgents and 13 soldiers have been killed since the offensive began on Saturday.

The operation pits some 30-thousand troops against 10-thousand militants.

As many as 150-thousand civilians -- possibly more -- have left South Waziristan in recent months.

Authorities say that up to 200-thousand people may flee the region in the coming weeks.