Troops kill 20 militants in Pakistan
Pakistani troops killed between 15 and 20 Muslim militants after coming under attack close to the Afghan border.
The clashes took place late last night in South Waziristan, a rugged region where Taliban and al-Qaida-linked extremists are known to operate.
Arshad militants opened fire on troops, who responded by killing between 15 and 20 of the attackers.
Security forces suffered no casualties.
The government has blamed South Waziristan-based militant leader Baitullah Mehsud for the shooting and suicide bomb attack that killed opposition leader Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi, near the capital Islamabad. Mehsud has denied involvement.
Pakistani troops have fought intense battles with militants in South Waziristan in recent years, and guerrillas have been blamed for roadside bombings and the kidnapping of soldiers in the region.
