Violent clashes claim lives of 23 in northwest Pakistan
Iran Press TV
Fri May 31, 2013 1:27PM GMT
Violent clashes between Pakistan Army troops and militants have claimed lives of at least 23 people in the country's troubled northwestern tribal region, military sources say.
More than 100 heavily armed militants were reported on Friday to have attacked a military post in upper Orakzai Agency.
Pakistani military officials said three soldiers and 20 militants were killed in fierce fighting in the remote region.
The militants had launched the attack to avenge the killing of Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) deputy chief Waliur Rehman Mehsud in a US drone strike in the volatile region of North Waziristan two days ago.
Despite the Pakistani government's operations against the TTP militants and associated groups, they have still been able to spread their influence in various regions of the country and kill thousands of people.
Thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives in bombings and other militant attacks since 2001 when Pakistan entered an alliance with the US on the so-called war against terrorism, according to local media.
Thousands others have been displaced by the wave of violence and militancy sweeping across the country.
Since late 2009, there has been a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan.
JR/KA
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