Pakistani troops fought pitched battles with militants as they sought to gain control of Tehrik-e-Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud’s hometown in South Waziristan, where nearly 100 rebels and 14 security personnel have died since a major ground offensive was launched four days ago.

Troops backed by artillery, helicopter gunships and jets had briefly taken control of Hakimullah Mehsud’s hometown of Kotkai during fighting overnight but the Taliban hit back on Tuesday morning, destroying army check posts and killing several soldiers.

Heavily armed Taliban fighters put up a fierce fight to protect Kotkai, using rockets and anti-aircraft guns against advancing troops, a senior military official was quoted as saying by CNN.

About 20 Taliban militants were killed in the fighting around Kotkai, media reports said. A statement issued by the military said 12 militants and four soldiers died in fighting over the past 24 hours while three soldiers were injured.

Hakimullah Mehsud is not believed to be in Kotkai but the capture of the town will amount to a propaganda coup for the military. Kotkai is also the hometown of Hakimullah’s close aide Qari Hussain, who is the trainer of suicide bombers.