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Pakistan fights militants, 35 dead

From CNN Producer Syed Mohsin Naqvi

LAHORE, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistani troops have killed at least 35 suspected al Qaeda militants in fierce fighting near the Afghan border.

Eleven soldiers have also died in the operation, which is in its second straight day, Pakistani officials said.

The fighting is taking place near the Afghan border, in the mountains of North Waziristan.

"There was heavy resistance from the other side," said Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan.

"Our troops have surrounded them, and the operation will continue until they are killed or captured."

There have so far been no reports of any high-profile militants involved in the fighting, Sultan added.

The offensive began Thursday after Pakistan received information militants were in the area.

Troops backed by helicopter gunships pounded villages in the area, forcing hundreds of residents to flee.

The operation was taking place in the Khatai Kalee area, about five miles from Miran Shah, the capital of North Waziristan, about 250 miles southwest of Islamabad.

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