Pakistan has moved its troops away from villages and towns in a volatile tribal region bordering Afghanistan as a peace process moves forward, officials said Wednesday. The new government in North West Frontier Province, which replaced the pro-Taliban Islamist administration after February elections, has launched peace talks with the militants led by Baitullah Mehsud, local officials said. "Talks are being held behind closed doors," a senior government official said. "Some progress has been made," he said but did not elaborate. A source close to the Al-Qaeda linked Mehsud confirmed that both sides were engaged in talks to restore peace in the region. As part of the peace process, some 30 tribesmen held in various prisons were freed Tuesday in return for the release of 55 soldiers detained by pro-Taliban militants, a senior security official said on condition of anonymity. He said troops were also moved from two villages in rugged South Waziristan tribal district in connection with the peace talks. Meanwhile, Pakistan's military said troop positions across the restive region were being "readjusted," with soldiers being moved away from towns and villages.