Security forces claim more militant deaths

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Pakistani security forces claimed at least 43 militants were killed in fighting at two different locations in the troubled northwest region.

The clashes Monday in the Swat valley and in Bajaur tribal region to the west also resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, Dawn newspaper reported.

The Swat Valley fighting, in which at least 25 militants died, began after militants attacked security forces on a search mission, the report said.

The militants were identified as supporters of the elusive Maulana Fazlulla, a fiery cleric accused of being responsible for much of the violence in the once scene tourist region.

The report said two soldiers also died in the fighting.

A Taliban spokesman, however, was quoted as saying only three militants were killed.

In Bajaur, militants fought with security forces and a tribal militia in the Charmang area. The Dawn report said at least 18 militants died and another 12 were injured.

The Bajaur region, close to the border with Afghanistan, is seen as a haven for Taliban and al-Qaida tribals.

The Pakistani military has been conducting operations for months to free the region from the militants and re-establish its control but the violence has resulted in the deaths of hundreds.

On Sunday, Pakistani security forces claimed to have killed 27 militants, including 12 would-be suicide bombers, in an air strike in the Orakzai tribal area.

The latest round of fighting comes after a suicide attack last Friday on a tribal meeting in Khadezai killed more than 60 tribesmen.