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Pakistan: Clashes with militants kill 16

  • Story Highlights
  • Clash between security forces and militants in Pakistan kills 16
  • All but three of the dead were paramilitary troops, officials say
  • Fighting took place in Hangu district, part of the North West Frontier Province
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- A clash between security forces and militants in Pakistan's northwest has left at least 16 people dead, all but three of them paramilitary troops, officials say.

The fighting took place in the Hangu district, a part of the North West Frontier Province (NFWP), Saturday. The province, near the country's border with Afghanistan, is rife with Islamic extremists and has been the site of recent clashes between Pakistani security forces and militants.

Among the casualties Saturday, 13 were members of the Frontier Constabulary, a federal paramilitary outfit that serves the Frontier Province, said army spokesman Gen. Athar Abbas.

Abbas did not have further information about the incident since it fell in the provision of the province's authorities.

Late last month the military launched an offensive near Peshawar -- the capital of the NWFP. It is the biggest push against extremists in the tribal region since the civilian government took power in March.

The military operation is a crucial test for Pakistan's new civilian government which is also negotiating with tribal leaders in the lawless border region.

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