Pakistani Clashes Leave At Least 8 Dead

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan -- At least eight people have been reported killed in clashes between the Pakistani army and militants in North Waziristan, a tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

Omar Khan, a resident of Miranshah, where clashes have taken place, told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal that the sides were exchanging gunfire on the morning of March 19.

Security officials said four militants and one soldier were killed in fighting after militants attacked an army outpost late on March 18 in Miranshah.

The authorities said that the military retaliated early on March 19 by targeting suspected militant safe houses, and three civilians were reported killed and others wounded.

No independent confirmation was available of the casualty tolls given by the military.

Pakistan's tribal belt is a hotbed of militant activity and is a stronghold of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants.

With AFP reporting