Three soldiers, 15 militants killed in Mohmand clash

The clash took place when up to 40 militants stormed a check post in the tribal region. Photo by Reuters

PESHAWAR: Up to 40 militants armed with guns and rockets stormed a check post in the tribal district of Mohmand, killing three soldiers and wounding four in an area where troops are battling to eliminate insurgents.

A military official said troops killed 15 militants in a counter-attack at the paramilitary Frontier Corps post in Mohmands Anargi area.

Pakistans northwest and tribal areas have been wracked by violence, mostly targeting security officials, since hundreds of Taliban and al Qaeda fighters sought refuge there after the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

The military has claimed victory in a number of battles against militants, perhaps most notably in 2009 in the Talibans former headquarters of South Waziristan, but attacks have continued across the country.

Washington has said eliminating militant sanctuaries in Pakistans tribal belt, particularly North Waziristan, is vital to winning the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan and defeating al Qaeda.


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