Fighters killed in Pakistan clash

Local residents told the AFP news agency that four civilians also died, including three women.

 

 

Pakistan has seen a wave of violence since July, when a peace agreement with tribal leaders broke down in North Waziristan and army commandos stormed the Red Mosque in the capital, Islamabad.

 

The violence has reinforced opposition among many Pakistanis to the support of the country’s president, General Pervez Musharraf, for the so-called US-led “war on terror”.

 

Musharraf has said “terrorism and extremism” are the biggest challenges the country faces and has called for reconciliation among political parties to tackle it.

 

US officials have warned that al-Qaeda may be regrouping in North Waziristan.