Sunday, July 13, 2008 - Clashes Erupt in Pakistan's NW; Adm Mullen Makes Surprise Visit

Clashes Erupt in Pakistan's NW; Adm Mullen Makes Surprise Visit

At least 20 people were killed Saturday in fighting between security forces and pro-Taliban insurgents in volatile northwestern Pakistan, according to officials and witnesses.

The violence came during an unannounced, one-day visit to Pakistan by Adm. Michael Mullen, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman. Mullen met with President Pervez Musharraf; Pakistan's army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Kiyani; and other officials before returning to Washington.

During his meetings, Mullen expressed concern about insurgents flowing into Afghanistan from Pakistan, according to his spokesman.

The fighting Saturday began when insurgents attacked an army convoy near the town of Zargari in North-West Frontier Province, a region where the Taliban has gained strength in recent months. Witnesses said the insurgents fired rockets, grenades and automatic rifles at the security forces, who responded with heavy fire from ground artillery and helicopter gunships.

A local official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said as many as 16 paramilitary soldiers were among the dead. Local officials said five insurgents were killed, but Taliban sources said one of their fighters had died.

Residents said four civilians were killed in indiscriminate fire from both sides.

"It is really sad that our whole town suddenly became a battleground between local Taliban and security forces, which has paralyzed life," said Mohammand Aurangzeb, a teacher.

Tensions have been high in the area since last week, when security forces arrested six Taliban fighters. In retaliation, insurgents attacked a police station and captured 29 people.

"We will release them only when the government frees our Taliban prisoners," Maulvi Omar, the spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, said in an interview Friday. He threatened to kill the captives, who he said include soldiers, paramilitary forces and police.

Since coming to power in February elections, the government has been trying to negotiate with insurgents. But after months of failed talks, the government has moved troops into the restive regions.

Meanwhile, mortar fire from Afghanistan wounded several Pakistani soldiers Friday in the turbulent tribal area of South Waziristan. Pakistani Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas told the Associated Press it was unclear whether the fire came from NATO-led foreign forces or Afghan forces. He said Pakistani troops returned fire, and "casualties were reported on the other side."

The incident came a month after Pakistan reported that 11 soldiers were killed along the Afghan border when U.S.-led forces dropped more than a dozen bombs in and near Pakistan's tribal regions. At the time, U.S. and Pakistani officials indicated that the incident pointed to the need for better coordination.