Militants Attack Pakistani Army Post, Kill 8 Soldiers

Posted August 29th, 2012 at 9:25 am (UTC-5)
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Militants have attacked an army post in northwest Pakistan, killing eight soldiers.

Security officials say 10 militants were killed in the ensuing fighting in the South Waziristan tribal agency near the Afghan border.

At least six soldiers were wounded in the attack, which came after the military launched an operation to clear the area of militants.

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for Wednesday's assault on the army post, claiming 12 soldiers were killed.

It is difficult to independently verify the information because the area is cut-off to journalists

South Waziristan is one of Pakistan's seven federally-administered tribal agencies. The military has launched several offensives in the region targeting al-Qaida and Taliban-linked militants who have strongholds in the porous border area.

In the nearby Bajaur tribal agency, authorities at least three soldiers and six militants were killed in fighting on Wednesday.

Separately on Wednesday, Pakistan's military said the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan will likely visit the country on Thursday. U.S. General John Allen was expected to meet with Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani for talks on recently implemented border coordination measures.