Pakistani authorities today claimed that at least 54 militants, including seven of their commanders, have been killed during a military operation in the restive northwest. Frontier Corps Inspector General, Maj Gen Tariq Khan, told reporters today that the militants were killed by troops in Bajaur tribal region.<br/><br/>Khan said in Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur tribal agency that what he called influential circles in the Kunar area of Afghanistan were responsible for supporting militants in Pakistan. <br/><br/>Security forces have tightened security along the border with Afghanistan and are using satellites to monitor movements of militants. <br/><br/>Khan said, troops have secured control of all parts of Bajaur agency and the law and order situation in the region has improved.<br/>