At least twelve Al Qaeda fighters were reported killed on Thursday in a gun battle with Pakistani troops in the tribal district of South Waziristan bordering Afghanistan.

The Pakistani army has launched a major operation to nab Al Qaeda suspects in its tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

The action follows US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage's statement expressing doubts about Pakistan's commitment to fighting terrorism.

See: Pak army launches massive operation against Al Qaeda

At least 10 militants were captured, including four Al Qaeda and six Taliban suspects.

Journalists were taken to the spot of the clash to show them the bodies of the killed ultras.

Also see: Armitage, Rocca put off Pak visit