Pakistan forces repel militants

Source: Agencies  |   2009-1-12  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

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 2am yesterday with mortars and rockets, then opened small arms fire on a checkpoint near the camp, said a military official.

The attackers were eventually driven off but scattered skirmishes continued, 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.

Also yesterday, tribesmen were blocking the southwestern supply route for NATO forces in Afghanistan at Chaman with burning tires and felled trees.