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Pakistan troops killed in attacks | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
At least 10 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in two separate attacks in the north-west of country close to the Afghan border, the military says. | |
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks in Mohmand region, in which two soldiers were also injured. Up to 10 others are still unaccounted for. | |
Troops are continuing an assault against the Taliban in the mountainous South Waziristan tribal area. | |
The army says that it is now in control of 80% of the area. | |
Helicopter attack | Helicopter attack |
Military spokesman Maj Fazal ur-Rehman told the AFP news agency that eight soldiers were killed when they drove over a landmine while on a routine patrol in Mohmand. | |
Pakistan's unseen offensive | |
Two others were injured, he said. The attack happened on the outskirts of the town of Safi. | |
Earlier, officials said military helicopters had attacked Taliban hideouts in the Mohmand region, killing 10 suspected militants. There is no independent confirmation of the claim. | |
That operation followed an attack on a security checkpoint, in which two soldiers were killed and another 10 soldiers reported missing. | |
Mohmand district has seen sporadic clashes between militants and security forces in recent months. | Mohmand district has seen sporadic clashes between militants and security forces in recent months. |
The BBC's Shoaib Syed Hasan in Islamabad says military casualties have been relatively low in the South Waziristan offensive, so the deaths in Mohmand will be a major setback for the army. | |
Meanwhile, a three-day general strike is being held in the town of Charsadda, 20km (12 miles) north-east of Peshawar, following a bombing on Tuesday which killed at least 32 people. | Meanwhile, a three-day general strike is being held in the town of Charsadda, 20km (12 miles) north-east of Peshawar, following a bombing on Tuesday which killed at least 32 people. |
Officials now say the attack, which injured 70 others, was probably aimed at the head of police in the district. | Officials now say the attack, which injured 70 others, was probably aimed at the head of police in the district. |
More than 300 people have been killed in a wave of attacks as the South Waziristan offensive continues. | More than 300 people have been killed in a wave of attacks as the South Waziristan offensive continues. |
Our correspondent says that ordinary citizens are increasingly being targeted in bomb attacks. Analysts believe this is because the militants are cornered and under great army pressure in South Waziristan. | Our correspondent says that ordinary citizens are increasingly being targeted in bomb attacks. Analysts believe this is because the militants are cornered and under great army pressure in South Waziristan. |
Officials insist they are determined to complete the offensive. | Officials insist they are determined to complete the offensive. |
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