Pakistani troops have captured a major Taliban base in the north-western tribal region of Bajaur after days of fierce fighting. The army has been pounding Taliban positions using fighter jets and helicopter gunships. Reports say that at least 15 militants and one soldier has been killed. Officials said the troops are now advancing on the militants' main training area in the Damadola district of Bajaur. Local residents say hundreds of people are fleeing the area to escape the fighting. Militants have recently re-established themselves in Bajaur after a military offensive drove them out in 2008.