Pakistani forces attack Taliban in NW, kill 22
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
HANGU, (Pakistan), Nov 23 (Reuters): Pakistani security forces backed by tanks and artillery attacked Taliban positions in the northwest of the country, killing 22 militants, a senior police official Monday.
The attack was part of a broader campaign against militants in Pakistan, a regional ally which Washington sees as key to defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Fighting erupted Sunday night after an assault on militants in the village of Shahukhel, which borders the Taliban stronghold of Orakzai tribal region.
Pakistan's army went on the offensive in the ethnic Pashtun tribal region of South Waziristan on the Afghan border on October 17, aiming to root out militants who stepped up their war against the security forces in 2007.
The campaign could backfire if Taliban fighters gain an edge by sucking Pakistani troops deep into rugged mountains in the area.
The attack was part of a broader campaign against militants in Pakistan, a regional ally which Washington sees as key to defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Fighting erupted Sunday night after an assault on militants in the village of Shahukhel, which borders the Taliban stronghold of Orakzai tribal region.
Pakistan's army went on the offensive in the ethnic Pashtun tribal region of South Waziristan on the Afghan border on October 17, aiming to root out militants who stepped up their war against the security forces in 2007.
The campaign could backfire if Taliban fighters gain an edge by sucking Pakistani troops deep into rugged mountains in the area.