Pakistani militant base attacked

Troops have been airlifted to positions on the hilltops

Troops have surrounded and attacked a stronghold of a leading militant in the district of Swat in northern Pakistan, local police say.
The pro-Taleban militant, Maulana Fazlullah, said earlier this week that he was leaving the area.

On Thursday an attack in the main town of Swat left at least 17 soldiers and a number of civilians dead.

Swat is one of a number of areas near the Afghan border where militants have been gaining control in recent months.