Kotkai (Pak-Afghan Border), Oct 24 The Pakistani military has taken control of Kotai in South Waziristan's tribal belt, which is believed to be the hometown of Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud.

The forces are currently conducting a major anti-Taliban offensive in the region.

"Security forces took control of Kotkai overnight and a clearance operation is in progress. It is a major breakthrough because it was the stronghold of Taliban and hometown of Hakimullah Mehsud and Qari Hussain," The Nation quoted a Pakistani security official, as saying.

Another security official said that ground forces had surrounded the area for the past few days, and entered the town after securing key heights behind it.

"Security forces entered Kotkai late Friday after they had secured important heights behind it," he said.

Earlier it was reported that the area was serving as "centre for jihad" and people from across the country were being trained in Kotai for the holy war "against the United States". (ANI)