KTNV ABC,Channel 13,Las Vegas,Nevada,News,Weather,Sports,Entertainment,KTNV.com,Action News .:. At least 20 dead in fighting in northwest Pakistan
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Associated Press - July 10, 2009 12:53 PM ET
KHAR, Pakistan (AP) - New clashes between Pakistani security forces and insurgents have left at least 20 people dead in a region once declared free of militants.
A Pakistani official says today's fighting began after Taliban militants ambushed an army convoy. It continued when Pakistan's military pounded the area with helicopter gunships and artillery.
Access to the region is restricted, so it was not possible to independently verify the account.
The violence underscores the difficulties Pakistan faces as it tries to root out militants in the tribal belt along the Afghan border. Pakistani jets also reportedly targeted several militant hideouts late yesterday. Several hideouts were destroyed and at least 24 militants were killed.
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