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6 troops, 40 militants killed in attack: Pakistan
PESHAWAR, Pakistan - At least 40 militants were killed and scores of others wounded as security forces repulsed an attack by about 600 fighters in northwestern Pakistan.Six security forces were also killed and seven others wounded in the pre-dawn attack in Mohmand agency. Insurgents attacked the Frontier Corps' Mohammad Ghat camp at about 2 a.m. Sunday with mortars and rockets, then opened small arms fire on a checkpoint near the camp, said a military official speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to comment to the media. The attackers were eventually driven off but scattered skirmishes continued Sunday, he said. The Mohmand agency lies along the volatile Afghan border and the military official said the bulk of the militants crossed over from Afghanistan and later joined up with Pakistani allies. He said at least 40 militants were killed in the fighting. The lawless and remote mountain region is believed to be used by pro-Taliban militants as a launch pad for attacks into Afghanistan, and is difficult for reporters to access. Pakistan has deployed tens of thousands of troops to police its tribal regions, but Western and Afghan officials say that has not deterred militants. Posted by: tipper 2009-01-11 |
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