The Pakistani army has launched a second offensive against the Taliban.

The army says it has killed 130 Taliban fighters in the northwestern district of Bannu since Wednesday. The local authorities say the army is engaged in a major operation, involving helicopter gunships and artillery. The offensive is aimed at fighters from the restive region of North Waziristan who have sought refuge in the Bannu district.

The army has reportedly almost concluded its offensive against the Taliban in the Swat valley. Bot the Swat valley and Bannu border on Afghanistan. More than two million civilians have fled the fighting in the Swat valley.