20 militants killed in Bajaur
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Aug 19, IRNA
Pakistan-Bajaur-Militants
At least 20 pro-Taliban militants were killed in a clash with security forces in Bajaur, a government official said on Tuesday.
Violence in Bajaur is a major test for the coalition government ed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), especially after the resignation of former army chief Pervez Musharraf as president on Monday.
The latest fighting in Bajaur erupted about 25 km (15 miles) east of Khar, the main town in the region, on Monday evening after militants attacked several security checkposts.
"The exchange of fire lasted for about nine hours and we have reports that at least 20 militants were killed," Mohammad Jameel, a senior government official in Bajaur, told Reuters by telephone.
Heavy fighting erupted in Bajaur early this month when pro-Taliban militants attacked a security post.
According to government estimates, about 170 people have been killed while about 100,000 villagers have fled the region.
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