Pakistan Forces Attack Taliban Hideouts In Border Region, Kill 18

Mohmand region has been the scene of suicide bombings, like this attack that killed

Pakistani officials say troops and paramilitary forces, backed by helicopter gunships and warplanes, have targeted Taliban positions in the tribal region of Mohmand near the Afghan border.

A government official,Masood Khan, said at least 18 militants were killed and 25 wounded in the operation.

Pakistan's military has recently mounted an offensive in villages bordering Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar in pursuit of militants linked to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

The United States, which plans to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in July, wants Pakistan to act more vigorously against Taliban fighters who use havens in the tribal areas to launch cross-border attacks.

compiled from agency reports