WANA, Sept 18: Fighting renewed in South Waziristan on Saturday amid reports of heavy exchange of fire between security forces and militants, officials said.

Reports coming from the embattled zone suggested that the security forces, backed by helicopter gunships and heavy artillery, were targeting suspected positions in Asman Manza, Karwan Manza and Mir Kalam Ser of the Laddah sub-division to counter militants' attacks.

Sources said that clashes erupted in the troubled region after militants carried out an afternoon attack against the security forces and targeted their positions with rockets.

A soldier of the Northern Light Infantry, identified as Ghulam Mohammad, had died in the fresh wave of violence, according to the sources. His body was brought to the Brigade Headquarters at Zari Noor Colony.

Witnesses said that militants, armed with rocket launchers, light and heavy machin-guns, attacked the security forces in three troubled spots.

The troops called in support of helicopter gunships from Wana to counter the offensive.

The troops have started massive artillery shelling from the Laddah Fort and Kaniguram to repulse the attackers.

Reports said that security forces had secured positions in the Makin bazaar, about 65km north of Wana.

The bazaar area was believed to be a stronghold of tribal militant Abdullah Mahsud, who had been released from Guntanamo Bay, Cuba, a few months back.

AFP adds: Pakistani troops have hemmed in Al Qaeda-linked foreign fighters and their local allies hiding in the tribal regions, a top general said on Saturday.

"We have eliminated a number of terrorists' hideouts in the region and...their operational space has been reduced to a considerable degree," Major General Niaz Khatak told reporters in Wana.