10 Pakistani Soldiers, 40 Militants Die In Clashes

Islamabad, Feb 1, IRNA – At least 10 Pakistani soldiers and 40 militants were killed in clashes in a tribal region on Tuesday, local media reported. TV channels reported that 32 soldiers were also injured in fighting in Kurram Agency on Tuesday. Security sources said that nearly 100 armed Taliban militants attacked a check post in Jogi area of Kurram agency, which triggered heavy clashes. Both sides continued exchanged heavy weapons for hours. Officials said that the area is a stronghold of the militants. They said the militants also took away bodies of their fighters. They said the check post was destroyed, which had been built a week ago to check movement of the militants. Locals said that Taliban militants have increased their activities in Kurram tribal region, bordering Afghanistan. Taliban militants from other areas have also arrived in the region and set up hideouts in remote and mountainous areas./end