According to a Techie who is currently employed in that area , The resistance was greater then anticipated , the combination of LI + TTP has provided them with good manpower , and due to terrain it is helping them greatly ( hence more losses then usual) . and since the area is adjacent to the border it is easier for militants to relieve aid from the other side .
Mangal Bagh was seen in Tirah not so long ago , and it is not clear if he is still there or not.
Pakistan also put an request to coalition forces in Afg to block their side of the border , so these militants can be boxed in , but there has been no response for that yet. and it is unlikely that there will be any , knowing their history.
Things are heating up , Pakistan Army has gotten more careful after the hit they took in the First assault . Now Air force is being used to a grater extent .
Unfortunately there are still Civilians in that area ( contrary to the popular belief) , so the Bombing runs are limited . around 52000 people have evacuated the area.