3 soldiers killed in clashes with militants in northwestern Pakistan

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - At least three Pakistani soldiers and four suspected militants were killed in clashes in northwestern Pakistan near Afghan border, the military said Saturday.

The clashes took place between the security forces and militants at three different locations in Tirah valley of the Khyber district on late Friday, a military statement said.

"Security Forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," it said.

Suspected militant attacks rose in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan in July as the province witnessed 36 militant attacks, resulting in 60 deaths and 27 injuries.

While over 580 people including security personnel and civilians were killed in over 550 suspected militant attacks across Pakistan during the last seven months, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based think tank.

The Pakistan military also intensified intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after recent attacks on forces in the Waziristan, Khyber, and Kurram districts.

Islamabad accuses "Afghan-based" Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants of carrying out terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, while Kabul denies the allegation.