Five Pakistani security forces killed in clashes
Thursday, 23 October 2008
ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (AFP): Taliban militants ambushed a convoy of security forces in Pakistan's northwestern Swat valley, sparking clashes that left at least five personnel and six rebels dead, officials said Wednesday.
The convoy of paramilitary and police vehicles came under attack late Tuesday in the town of Kabal, a stronghold of insurgents who are trying to impose harsh Islamic Sharia law in the restive region.
"The initial report from the area confirms one policeman and four FC (Frontier Constabulary) men died and some FC soldiers are missing after the ambush," Swat police officer Inam Khan said.
The army later launched a counter-attack in the same area, killing five militants and a would-be suicide bomber whose vehicle was blown up when troops opened fire, a security official said.
The convoy of paramilitary and police vehicles came under attack late Tuesday in the town of Kabal, a stronghold of insurgents who are trying to impose harsh Islamic Sharia law in the restive region.
"The initial report from the area confirms one policeman and four FC (Frontier Constabulary) men died and some FC soldiers are missing after the ambush," Swat police officer Inam Khan said.
The army later launched a counter-attack in the same area, killing five militants and a would-be suicide bomber whose vehicle was blown up when troops opened fire, a security official said.