Security forces repulse militant attack near Afghan border

Peshawar: Security forces repulsed an attack on Sunday by 600 fighters in northwestern Pakistan, most of whom had crossed the border from Afghanis-tan, leaving at least 40 militants dead and scores of others wounded, a military official said.

Six security forces were also killed and seven wounded in the pre-dawn attack in Mohmand agency, which lies along the volatile Afghan border.

Insurgents attacked the Pakistani Frontier Corps' Mohammad Ghat camp with mortars and rockets, then used small arms to fire on a checkpoint near the camp, said a military official speaking on condition of anonymity.

The bulk of the militants had earlier crossed over from Afghanistan and later joined with Pakistani allies, the official said.

At least 40 militants were killed, he said. The attackers were eventually driven off, but scattered skirmishes continued, he said.

The lawless and remote mountain region is believed to be used by pro-Taliban militants as a launching pad for attacks into Afghanistan, and is difficult for reporters to access. Pakistan has deployed tens of thousands of troops to police its tribal regions, but Western and Afghan officials say that has not deterred militants. A major military offensive against militants in Bajur to the north has spilled over into Mohmand.

Militants frequently target tribe members in the area whom they suspect of backing government peace efforts.

Also on Sunday, Taliban militants abducted five members of an anti-militant tribal committee in Bajur and sliced an ear off each, said local official.