Pakistani jets and artillery bombarded militant hideouts for a second day today killing over 25 militants in the Waziristan region, as ground forces moving in from three directions took control of two key areas in face of stiff resistance in the Taliban stronghold. Military spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas said the army yesterday launched a major offensive to dismantle the network of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and to flush out militants in South Waziristan who were responsible for 80 per cent of recent terrorist attacks in the country. TV news channels reported that at least 26 militants have been killed and 15 Taliban hideouts destroyed so far . Many militants were killed in air strikes. Reports said at least two security personnel died in fighting today, taking the casualty figure to six in the army. Officials said, security forces have taken control of Spinkay Raghzai and Ghazai areas in South Waziristan following fierce fighting yesterday, even as militants offered stiff resistance at Shahwangi and Khesora areas. Combat jets targeted militant positions in Ladha and Sarvakai, two key strongholds of the Taliban. Check posts have also been established in Kotkai area, where Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud has his home. However, the figures could not be verified as there is no official word on casualties and all access to South Waziristan has been cut off. Thousands of troops began advancing towards Taliban strongholds in South Waziristan from three directions yesterday after curfew was clamped in the region.The operation was launched after leaders of Pakistan's main political parties endorsed the government's plans to root out terrorism by taking on the Taliban in South Waziristan, saying they posed a threat to the country's integrity. The army has mobilised two divisions or about 28,000 troops for the offensive. About 10,000 Taliban fighters, including 1,500 foreign fighters, are believed to be present in South Waziristan.