Pakistani troops today fought pitched battles with militants as they sought to gain control of Tehrik-e-Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud’s hometown in South Waziristan. Nearly 100 rebels and 14 security personnel have died since a major ground offensive was launched four days ago. Troops backed by artillery, helicopter gunships and jets had briefly taken control of Hakimullah Mehsud’s hometown of Kotkai during fighting overnight but the Taliban hit back this morning, destroying army check posts and killing several soldiers. Heavily armed Taliban fighters put up a fierce fight to protect Kotkai, using rockets and anti-aircraft guns against advancing troops. A senior military official quoted by CNN said, about 20 Taliban militants were killed in the fighting around Kotkai.