Pakistan security forces kill 12 militants attacking near Afghanistan

At least 12 militants were killed today in a gun battle with Pakistani security forces after they attacked a security post along the Afghan border in the restive north-western tribal region.

The Mangaro outpost in Kurram district came under pre-dawn raid by more than 50 rebels who came from Afghanistan, a security official said.

“The security forces responded the attack with heavy fire, killing 12 attackers and forcing others to retreat back into Afghanistan,” a security official said.

Radio Pakistan confirmed the raid and reported that the security forces had launched search operation in the area.

Afghanistan and Pakistan share a 2,250-kilometer border and militants from both sides routinely launch cross-border attacks before fleeing back over the border. Much of the border area is remote.

It is said that hundreds of Taliban militants have fled Pakistan through porous border to Afghanistan.