Insurgents Seize Pakistan Border Fort

01/16/2008

Deutsche Presse-Agentur | January 16, 2008


Islamabad - Several hundred Islamic insurgents encircled and seized a strategic Pakistani military base by the border with Afghanistan early Jan. 15 after a fierce battle with government troops, news reports said.

The heavily-armed force of pro-Taliban gunmen attacked the Sararogha Fort located in the South Waziristan tribal region and killed some 30 of its 40 defenders, Pakistan's Dawn and Aaj television reported.

Six militants died and several paramilitary soldiers were captured in more than five hours of fighting which led to the fall of the colonial-era redoubt, sources told the channels.

"Communication of the troops with their base camp was lost at around 02:00 this morning," a local administrative official told the BBC's Urdu Service.

Pakistani military officials confirmed that more than 400 militants attacked the fort but rejected reports of a crushing defeat. There was no official confirmation of any casualties.

"We control the fort and intense fighting is still going on," a high-ranking army source said.

Militants under the command of pro-Taliban tribal leader Baitullah Mehsud were believed to be behind the raid in the border region where al-Qaeda cells are also thought to be active.

South Waziristan has seen repeated insurgents attacks on security forces since government truces with local pro-Taliban tribes broke down late last year.