24 killed in anti-Qaeda operation

In one of the most fierce anti-terror operations in recent times, 24 Al Qaeda and Taliban supporters, including foreigners were killed in clashes today between Pakistani forces and tribesmen in remote border area of Wana, in which eight troops also died, military spokesman said.

Army spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan said 15 troops were also injured in operations against tribesmen and foreigners providing shelter to Al Qaeda and Taliban suspects in Wana, bordering Afghanistan. It was the most fierce clash between the Pakistani forces and pro-Taliban tribesmen since October last, when eight foreign militants and two soldiers were killed in the remote border area. Officials say the fighting started soon after paramilitary forces moved into a village near the town in the South Waziristan region to arrest the local pro-Taliban tribesmen. But they came under attack from two directions as they entered the area and responded using light machine guns and mortars leading to a major gun battle. Today8217;s offensive comes ahead of a two-day visit to Pakistan by US Secretary of State Colin Powell. Pakistan has conducted several recent operations against suspects believed to be hiding in the area. A similar US operation is under way in Afghanistan.

Sultan said the exchange of fire has stopped, and political agents and tribal elders were engaged with them in negotiations. Meanwhile, contingents of Pakistan Army and frontier constabulary have blocked all the roads leading to Azam Warsak and were searching vehicles. The officials have not said if any wanted tribesmen or any foreign militants has been arrested.