Locals clash with Taliban in north-west Pakistan, 19 killed

Jul 4, 2009, 10:42 GMT

   Islamabad - At least 19 people were killed in the clashes between militants and local tribal militia on Saturday in Pakistan's troubled north-west, officials said.

   The clashes took place in the Mohmand, one of seven lawless tribal districts, where government law enforcement agencies and tribesmen have been fighting against Taliban militants to rid the region of them.

   According to a security official, the militants attacked a village called Pam Poh in Ambar areas of Mohmand Friday night, leading to heavy exchange of fire with the pro-government tribal militia, locally known as lashkar.

   'Twelve members of lashkars and seven militants were killed in this latest round of fighting,' said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity, adding that 17 tribesmen were missing since the clashes.

   The death toll could not be confirmed from independent sources, as media access is restricted in the region. The militants' attack came after the tribal elders ordered them to immediately leave the area.

   Tribesmen in various districts of North West Frontier Province and the neighbouring tribal region have been encouraged by the government to form the lashkars to combat the Taliban.

   But those ill-equipped and disorganized armies usually suffer heavy losses in fighting with the battle-hardened and well-armed Taliban militants.

   The latest clashes came as government forces are preparing for an offensive against Taliban chief Baituallh Mehsud in south Waziristan, a known sanctuary of militants launching cross-border attacks on international troops in Afghanistan.