Pakistani Troops Kill 19 Militants In North Waziristan

Pakistani soldier monitors the Afghan-Pakistan border in North Waziristan (epa) July 22, 2007 -- The Pakistani military says its troops have killed at least 19 pro-Taliban militants in the past 24 hours in the North Waziristan tribal region, near the Afghan border.

Spokesman Major General Wahid Arshad said armed militants attempted to attack several army posts on July 21, but that the attacks were foiled.

Arshad said the Pakistani soldiers retaliated and killed up to 13 militants. Officials say another six militants were killed today.

Violence has intensified in North Waziristan after militants scrapped a peace deal with the government earlier this month.

(compiled from agency reports)