Pakistani jets and artillery pounded Taliban bases for the second day yesterday killing 60 militants in the lawless Waziristan region. Ground forces also continued their push into the Taliban strongholds and captured two key towns from them despite stiff resistance. Five soldiers were also killed and 11 more injured in clashes that erupted yesterday after thousands of troops began advancing from three directions towards areas inhabited by the Mehsud tribe, considered the main base of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan led by Hakimullah Mehsud. Inter-Services Public Relations said 60 militants have been killed over the past 24 hours during "Operation Rah-e-Nijat, the codename for the offensive in South Waziristan. TV news channels reported that jets targeted militant positions in Ladha and Sarvakai, two key strongholds of the Taliban. Check posts have also been established in Kotkai, where Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud's home is located.Thirty militants and two soldiers were killed as troops moving along the Jandola-Kotkai-Sararogha axis secured the areas up to Mandana, Kund and Tarakai. Four soldiers and many militants were injured in this region.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.