50 militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Pakistani security forces engaged in pitched battles with Taliban fighters Monday, leaving an estimated 50 militants dead, local media reported.

The Taliban fighters apparently initiated the attacks in Pakistan's northwestern Bajaur tribal region, The Times of India reported. The Bajaur Scouts paramilitary troops repulsed the attack and then launched a counter attack, including aerial bombardments, that left about 50 Taliban militants dead, the Times said local media reported.

Witnesses reported seeing militants' bodies lying on the ground.

The latest confrontations followed last week's fighting that left more than 100 militants and nine security troops dead.