World | Pakistan
Fighting in northwest Pakistan kills up to 15 militants
About 15 militants were killed by Pakistani forces in a northwestern tribal region after the government failed to negotiate a ceasefire to end weeks of violence between warring Shiite and Sunni Muslims, officials said.
- Agencies
- Published: 16:37 August 20, 2008
Islamabad: About 15 militants were killed by Pakistani forces in a northwestern tribal region after the government failed to negotiate a ceasefire to end weeks of violence between warring Shiite and Sunni Muslims, officials said.
The operation was launched late on Tuesday in Kurram, a region known for sectarian violence, after a deadline to end fighting expired.
An Interior Ministry statement said a group of tribal elders was sent to Kurram to broker a ceasefire, but troops were ordered to act when both sides refused to stop fighting, resulting in the death of between 10-15 Pakistani Taliban.
It was not clear when the fatalities occurred as the military action that was launched overnight continued on Wednesday.
"The FC (Frontier Constabulary) has been given a go ahead to take action as deemed necessary in case of violation of the ceasefire," the statement said.
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