Pakistani troops today stepped up efforts to capture a key stronghold of the Taliban in the restive South Waziristan tribal region where 11 militants and a soldier were killed in fresh clashes. This has taken the toll to over 300 in nearly two weeks of fighting. The military said in a statement that security forces are closing in towards the militant stronghold of Kaniguram from two directions after unearthing a militant training centre and securing heights overlooking a strategic road. Officials have described Kaniguram as an important base for Taliban and Uzbek fighters.Troops advancing towards another key militant base of Sararogha from Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud's hometown of Kotkai encountered resistance while securing some heights. The military also said it had captured the important town of Inzar Kalay, which had been cleared of mines, IEDs and booby traps laid by the Taliban.