Troops backed by tanks and heavy artillery attacked militants in the Bajaur tribal agency on Wednesday, and an FC statement said 30 Taliban were killed in a clash in the Rashakai area. Regular army troops have joined paramilitary forces to continue an advance on militant strongholds in the agency, and a jirga (tribal council) vowed to keep terrorists out of the Salarzai tehsil. "Troops pounded artillery and used fighter jets to target militant hideouts," a security official told AFP on condition of anonymity. "Key Taliban strongholds Loyesam, Charmang and Tangkhatta are under the control of security forces, who are setting up checkposts in the areas," security officials told Daily Times. Militants clad as women tried to attack the marching troops, sources said, but the attack was repulsed. Meanwhile, the Salarzai tribe jirga renewed its pledge "to stand by the government" as it announced new sanctions against people supporting militancy in their areas.