Government forces will continue with the operation until they have routed the insurgents, said an official.—AFP/File photo

GHALANI: A Pakistani official says security forces have cleared insurgents from 90 per cent of targeted tribal areas near the Afghan border in a nearly three-week offensive.

Mohmand tribal region official Amjad Ali Khan says Tuesday that 120 militants have been killed in the fighting, including seven local Taliban commanders. Four Pakistani soldiers were killed.

The offensive began Jan 27 and has included aerial bombing, artillery and ground assaults in five tribal regions.

Khan says government forces will continue with the operation until they have routed the insurgents.

Officials have said about 22,000 people were displaced by the fighting. Khan says 20 families have been repatriated and they hope to bring others home next month.