(AKI) - Clashes between militants and pro-government tribal militias claimed at least 16 lives in the volatile Swat Valley in northwest Pakistan on Sunday. The fighting is reported to have broken out after militants kidnapped about 60 tribal elders and killed eight of them.
The fighting in Swat came as fresh fighting was reported in the Bajaur tribal region bordering Afghanistan. Pakistani forces claimed to have taken the town of Loi Sam, but on Sunday fighting continued with helicopters and artillery pounding targets in Bajaur.
At a media conference in Islamabad on Sunday, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gillani said the international community recognised Pakistan's vital role fighting the threat of terrorism and wanted to work with it in countering security and economic challenges.