LADDAH, Oct 27 The military has claimed to have killed 42 militants in South Waziristan during 24 hours since Monday evening. One soldier lost his life.

The Inter-Services Public Relations said that troops continued their advance towards Sararogha, a stronghold of followers of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud, after flushing out militants from their positions around Kotkai. A number of villages have been cleared and important hills have been secured.

According to an official, troops reached Touda China and Ganra Kach, near Sararogha, after fierce clashes.

Warplanes attacked militants' hideouts in Laddah and Shiraki. A college building under occupation of militants was also bombed.

According to ISPR, troops cleared the village of Zeriwam and nearby hills on the Jandola-Sararogha axis. Ridges around the main road and Ganra Kas and Konar Height were secured.

Troops also cleared Garlai after clash in which five terrorists were killed and one soldier laid down his life.

On the Shakai-Kaniguram axis, troops cleared an area along the Sherwangi-Laddah road and reached the suburbs of Kund Mela-Momekaram. Seven terrorists were killed.

On the Razmak-Makin axis, security forces surrounded Nawazkot and took positions on important ridges. They regained control of the old FC post in Nawazkot and seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition.Thirty militants were killed when troops attacked their positions in Pakallita Sar, Manza Sar, Green Ridge, Lahgar Narai, Zar-i-Sar Base, China and Makin.

Tip Ghar, Pt 6813 and Laghar Narai areas were cleared. Two soldiers were injured when terrorists fired two rockets at a camp in Razmak.