Death toll rises in Pakistan violence
Pakistan’s army said today that the death toll from three days of fighting against militants near the Afghan border has risen to 195.
The battles in the North Waziristan region have killed 150 militants and 45 soldiers, an army statement said. Another 12-15 troops are missing, it added.
Security forces have rejected a ceasefire proposed by the militants and will “continue punitive action till complete peace is restored” in an area considered a stronghold of pro-Taliban and al Qaida groups, it said.
The fighting comes as Gen Pervez Musharraf tries to secure another term as president, vowing to shore up Pakistan’s troubled effort against Islamic extremism.
But his troops are suffering mounting losses as they try to re-assert authority in mountainous territory where warlords supportive of Islamic militant groups have seized control.
