Troops fought militants on three fronts and fighter jets bombed insurgent positions Monday as Pakistan pressed ahead with its assault on an al-Qaida and Taliban sanctuary close to the Afghan border, according to AP. The fighting took place as U.S. Central Command chief David Petraeus met Pakistan"s prime minister and army chief in the capital. U.S. Sen. John Kerry also met political and military leaders to try and ease tensions over an American aid bill that has caused a rift between the army and Pakistan"s civilian government. Intelligence officials said fighting was going in three places in South Waziristan close to Jandola, Razmak and Wana, three towns where the army had bases. Jets were making bombing runs in the Ladha and Makeen areas, the officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to brief the media on the record. The army said Sunday that 60 militants and six soldiers have been killed since the offensive began Saturday. Intelligence officials said eight more militants were killed Monday as they advanced on troops in the Khaisur area. --SP
