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Civilians die in Pakistan battles Civilians die in Pakistan battles
(about 2 hours later)
Seven civilians have died in violent clashes between militants and security forces in a tribal area near Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, officials say.Seven civilians have died in violent clashes between militants and security forces in a tribal area near Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, officials say.
The army says more than 50 militants have been killed in fighting in the Bajaur tribal area since Sunday night. The militants have denied this.The army says more than 50 militants have been killed in fighting in the Bajaur tribal area since Sunday night. The militants have denied this.
Fierce battles broke out in the region last week when security forces took control of a strategic border town.Fierce battles broke out in the region last week when security forces took control of a strategic border town.
Security has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks along the frontier.Security has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks along the frontier.
The Afghan government and Nato say that the border region is a haven for al-Qaeda and Taleban militants.The Afghan government and Nato say that the border region is a haven for al-Qaeda and Taleban militants.
The violence comes after a week of some of the heaviest clashes ever seen in Bajaur.The violence comes after a week of some of the heaviest clashes ever seen in Bajaur.
The BBC's M Ilyas Khan says that there have also been clashes in the north-western region of Swat, mostly involving troops who fought with militants as they carried out search operations.
PressurePressure
Witnesses said hundreds of people were seen shifting from Khar to safer areas in neighbouring districts after heavy shelling on Sunday night.Witnesses said hundreds of people were seen shifting from Khar to safer areas in neighbouring districts after heavy shelling on Sunday night.
Security forces were reported to be fighting off militants who had surrounded Khar, the district headquarters.Security forces were reported to be fighting off militants who had surrounded Khar, the district headquarters.
Fighter jets and artillery guns continued to target militant hideouts around Khar on Monday, witnesses added.Fighter jets and artillery guns continued to target militant hideouts around Khar on Monday, witnesses added.
At least three civilians, including a woman, were reported killed when fire from fighter jets hit some houses in Tauhidabad area near Khar.At least three civilians, including a woman, were reported killed when fire from fighter jets hit some houses in Tauhidabad area near Khar.
And four others were said to have been killed when their houses were hit by mortar shells in the Damadola area, west of Khar.And four others were said to have been killed when their houses were hit by mortar shells in the Damadola area, west of Khar.
Mortars are used by both security troops and militants.Mortars are used by both security troops and militants.
A spokesman for the Pakistani army told the BBC late on Monday that more than 50 militants had been killed in fighting during the day.A spokesman for the Pakistani army told the BBC late on Monday that more than 50 militants had been killed in fighting during the day.
A spokesman for the militants said only one fighter had been killed, although the BBC's Urdu service independently confirmed that at least 10 militants had died in the fighting by Monday afternoon.A spokesman for the militants said only one fighter had been killed, although the BBC's Urdu service independently confirmed that at least 10 militants had died in the fighting by Monday afternoon.
There is mounting US pressure on the Pakistani government to crack down on militants, who use the border region to launch cross-border raids into Afghanistan.There is mounting US pressure on the Pakistani government to crack down on militants, who use the border region to launch cross-border raids into Afghanistan.