20 militants killed in Pakistan fighting

---

At least 20 militants and four troops have been killed in fighting in north-west Pakistan, the army says.
Fighting took place as the security forces overran Rashakai village - a militant stronghold in Bajaur tribal district on the Afghan border, BBC reports.
Clashes began in August when troops tried to set up a post in Loi Sam - a strategically important village.
The government forces say they have recaptured the village but there are reports of resistance in some parts.
Bajaur is long believed to have been the most likely al-Qaeda sanctuary inside the Pakistani border region, and has been the target of several suspected US missile attacks since 2006.
Earlier this month, Pakistan's military suspended its operations against Taleban militants in Bajaur.
The government said this suspension of fighting was in honour of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Taleban spokesman Maulvi Omar welcomed the announcement, but he said militants would not lay down their arms.
The government said it would retaliate if attacked by the militants. An army spokesman, Major Murad Khan, told the BBC that four troops were killed in an ambush in Rashakai village, close to Loi Sam.
In the ensuing fighting, 20 Taleban militants were killed, he said. Officials said they had secured Rashakai village and dismantled the Taleban's main command and control centre there.