KHAR, Pakistan — Pakistani troops defeated Taliban militants in two strongholds near the Afghan border after a grinding offensive, officers in both military operations said today.

Pakistan's military showcased its gains in the area as it faces criticism for failing to dislodge militants from the nearby Swat region and amid concern that growing political turmoil in the country will undermine its resolve to tackle extremism.

Maj. Gen. Tariq Khan told reporters flown to Bajur by helicopter that the militancy has been dismantled in the region, a gateway for Afghanistan-bound militants where the army says the Taliban set up a ministate with its own courts and tax systems.

Khan claimed his troops now control Bajur's roads — making it impossible for militants to move freely.

"They have lost," he said. "Their resistance has broken down."

American commanders say the Afghan province of Kunar, which borders Bajur, is still treacherous for U.S. soldiers. The U.S. has earmarked it for some of the thousands of reinforcements being deployed to Afghanistan this year.

Also today, Col. Saif Ullah, a commander in the nearby tribal region of Mohmand, said troops repelled the insurgency there and that it is "under the control of law enforcement agencies."