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70 militants dead in Bajaur clashes

* Helicopter gunships and mortars pound insurgent hideouts

BAJAUR: More than 70 Taliban died and 60 were wounded in a fierce gunbattle between militants and the security forces in the Bajaur Agency, the Online news agency reported on Friday.

Seven paramilitary troops also died in clashes near the Afghan border, AP said, as helicopter gunships and mortars pounded insurgent hideouts in the Rashakai and Tank Khata areas on Friday, officials and residents said.

The offensive in the tribal region came in the wake of a militant assault Wednesday on an outpost manned by security forces.

“Intense fighting is going on between soldiers and Taliban since Friday morning,” said Sher Zamin, a local resident. He said he saw Taliban fighters going toward the scene of the clashes.

“Intense firing again started at 8am at Loisam, Omari and Nawagai areas where a large number of armed Taliban are attacking security forces,” a security official told AFP.

“Security forces are responding with helicopters, artillery and mortar fire, but there were no immediate reports about casualties,” he said. agencies

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