Up to 12 killed in Pakistan clashes

Pakistani security forces killed up to 12 Islamist militants in clashes in the North Waziristan tribal region on the Afghan border…

Pakistani security forces killed up to 12 Islamist militants in clashes in the North Waziristan tribal region on the Afghan border today, the military said.

Today's clashes broke out after militants riding on two vehicles tried to attack security forces in Khawaja Wali village, near Miranshah, North Waziristan's main town.

Government forces broke the attack and killed militants in return fire, the military said.

Pakistan has seen a massive increase in violence, especially in the border tribal areas, since security forces stormed the Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, in the capital Islamabad earlier this month.

The latest clashes in North Waziristan, known as a hotbed of support for al-Qaeda-linked fighters, came a day after seven people were killed in militant attacks.

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