South Asia News
Pakistani forces kill dozens of militants near Afghanistan
May 31, 2009, 7:44 GMT
Islamabad - Pakistani troops killed dozens of militants in overnight clashes with Taliban fighters in the South Waziristan tribal district near the Afghan border, an intelligence official said on Sunday.
Fierce fighting erupted late Saturday night when insurgents struck a paramilitary camp in Jandola area, triggering a battle that continued for several hours.
'More than 40 attackers were killed in retaliatory actions,' the intelligence official said on condition of anonymity. 'At least two soldiers also died and a few others sustained wounds.'
Officials in the semi-autonomous tribal region, a known hotbed of al-Qaeda and Taliban militants, were not immediately available for comment.
Pakistan's security forces are battling Taliban fighters in the north-western Swat valley and its neighbouring districts since last month, and recent media reports suggested the military plans to expand the offensive to the lawless tribal region.
The United States has hailed the military operation as it believes that the war in Afghanistan cannot be won without tackling the Taliban insurgency in the nuclear-armed Muslim state.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in South Asia
- 1. Sri Lanka leftist party says leader, activist are abducted
- 2. US agrees to let Afghan forces take lead in night raids
- 3. India, Pakistan leaders want better ties
- 4. Pilot killed in crash of Bangladesh Air Force jet
- 5. Pakistani president visits India for lunch meeting, prayers
Older Talkback
