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Pakistan border clash 'kills 60' | Pakistan border clash 'kills 60' |
(about 2 hours later) | |
More than 60 militants have been killed in fighting between government troops and militants in north-western Pakistan, officials say. | More than 60 militants have been killed in fighting between government troops and militants in north-western Pakistan, officials say. |
Fighting broke out when troops in Mohmand district attacked villages where militants were said to be hiding. | |
Troops used artillery, helicopter gunships and jets to pound the area. | |
Pakistan has deployed thousands of troops to police its tribal regions, but Western and Afghan officials say that has not deterred militants. | Pakistan has deployed thousands of troops to police its tribal regions, but Western and Afghan officials say that has not deterred militants. |
Mortar shells | Mortar shells |
A statement from the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) on Tuesday evening said more than 60 "hardcore militants" had been killed in the day-long operation. | |
Residents reached by the BBC could not confirm the numbers, but said some militants had been killed. | Residents reached by the BBC could not confirm the numbers, but said some militants had been killed. |
Witnesses said ground troops, backed by tanks and armoured personnel carriers, demolished more than 25 houses and shops along a local road to render it safe for troop movement. | |
At least three civilians were also killed when a restaurant was hit by mortar shells, residents said. | |
The targeted villages, located in the Lakaro and Pandyali sub-districts, are believed to be the stronghold of militants in Mohmand. | |
Earlier this month, suspected militants killed six paramilitary soldiers in pre-dawn attacks on some check posts in the nearby Mamad Ghat area of Mohmand. | Earlier this month, suspected militants killed six paramilitary soldiers in pre-dawn attacks on some check posts in the nearby Mamad Ghat area of Mohmand. |
The army at that time said the attack was launched by more than 600 militants, mostly foreigners who had crossed over from Afghanistan. | |
It said it had killed 45 militants in retaliatory fire. | It said it had killed 45 militants in retaliatory fire. |
The communications infrastructure in Mohmand has been badly damaged and it is difficult to obtain independent confirmation of such claims. | The communications infrastructure in Mohmand has been badly damaged and it is difficult to obtain independent confirmation of such claims. |