Pakistan troops battle militants kill 19 people and

Islamabad, Pakistan Fighting between troops and militants in NorthWaziristan, Pakistan, killing 19 soldiers and civilians. In fact, nearly100 people were wounded in a shootout that occurred two days.

Armed clashes between troops and militants somewhat relativelyrare in North Waziristan. So far, the guerrillas and the military in the region agreed not to attack each other.

But fighting broke out on Sunday, May 6 local time when a group ofgunmen attacked a convoy of military rockets near Miranshah, the main town in the tribal district on the Afghanistan border. Among thedead were 12 Pakistani soldiers, three of whom were arrested andbeheaded.

"Seven civilians, including two children and three women were killedand 71 others wounded during two days of fighting," said a localintelligence official told AFP on Tuesday (08/05/2012).

He added that at least 20 soldiers were also injured in the incident.

According to Pakistani officials, the situation in the region has nowcalmed down. Calm the situation is reached after tribal leadersintervened to urge the militants and government forces to refrain.