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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- The approximately 100 Pakistani paramilitary forces who were reported missing Thursday in the region of South Waziristan have been found and are safe, an army spokesman said.
Heavy rains had led them to seek shelter with local tribes, the spokesman said.
The announcement came several hours after the army reported they may have been "kidnapped" by local militants with suspected ties to the Taliban.
The group had been traveling in a convoy from the district capital of Wana to Lahhad -- a 25-mile (40-kilometer) trip -- when they were last contacted, Maj. Gen. Wahid Arshad said.
Local militants, some believed to have ties to the Taliban, claimed to have "kidnapped" the soldiers.
Pakistan has stepped up military operations against militants with suspected ties to al Qaeda and the Taliban since a deal with local tribesmen in North Waziristan fell through earlier this year. E-mail to a friend 
All About North Waziristan • South Waziristan • Pakistan
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