Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.
June 20, 2009

Military: Pakistani Troops Kill at Least 32 Militants in Northwest
------------------------------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=24E1177:A6F02AD83191E160C6CD99B484E5147E3CF5CDEF8FC051DA&
 
Statement says militants killed near Sarwaki in South Waziristan tribal
region, when troops tried to clear main road of militants 
Pakistan's military says troops have killed at least 32 militants in
clashes throughout the country's northwest, as the military steps up its
offensive against the Taliban. A military statement said the militants
were killed near the town of Sarwaki in the South Waziristan tribal
region, when troops tried to clear a main road of militants. The death
toll cannot be independently verified. Pakistani warplanes began bombing
the tribal area along the Afghan border Friday, the first steps in a new
offensive targeting Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud. Mehsud is
one of Pakistan's most wanted militants and is blamed for scores of
attacks against government and civilian targets. He is also believed to
be a key facilitator for al-Qaida fighters in the country. Troops also
targeted militants in the Malakand region Saturday, where troops have
been carrying out an offensive that began in late April. Friday,
officials asked refugees to return to Buner district. Officials there
say the campaign to wipe out Taliban militants is wrapping up. And they
say even though many homes were destroyed, they have set up a tent camp
with some basic provisions for residents who are ready to return. An
estimated 2.5 million people already have fled fighting in Pakistan's
northwest since the military began battling Taliban fighters in the
greater Swat valley more than a month ago. Reports from South Waziristan
say some residents have fled their homes in anticipation of violence.  


.