KHAR, Feb 2 Security forces are advancing on the Taliban stronghold of Damadola in Bajaur tribal region and have inflicted heavy casualties on militants in gunbattles since Monday.

Security officials told journalists that 18 terrorists were killed and 12 others injured in Sewai, Daber, Badan and Damadola, where troops encountered fierce resistance.

Local people said that they saw two bullet-riddled bodies hanging upside down in Inayet Kali on Tuesday. The bodies of the unidentified men were strung up from a tree in the night.

Jet fighters and Cobra helicopters bombed suspected militants' positions in Mamond and Salarazai tehsils where ground forces, backed by heavy artillery, had launched an operation against militants last week.

An official said that security forces continued advancing on Damadola, taking control of surrounding areas.

This correspondent saw flattened hideouts and houses of militants in Sewai and other areas of Mamond tehsil. Security forces were using tanks and bulldozers in the demolition operation. Militants had fled the area.

Lt-Col Rana Munawar, in charge of Operation Sher Dill, told journalists at a press briefing that around 60 militants had been killed in the ongoing offensive. It would continue till restoration of the government's writ, he added.

The operation was launched in August 2008 and major parts of Bajaur had been secured.