Taliban Ambush Kills 7 Pakistani Soldiers

MIRANSHAKH, Pakistan -- Pakistani security officials say at least seven Pakistani soldiers and eight suspected Islamist militants have been killed in a clash in the North Waziristan region, near the Afghan border.

Officials said the incident occurred on March 9 in the Doga Madakhel area, some 30 kilometers west of the region’s main city of Miranshah.

Security officials said militants ambushed a military patrol, killing the seven troops, and eight militants were killed when helicopters and troops retaliated.

The region is considered a stronghold of Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants, who regularly launch attacks on security forces.

With AFP and Reuters reporting