Pakistani forces clash with pro-Taliban tribesmen

Pakistani helicopter gunships opened fire after pro-Taliban tribesmen traded mortar and gun fire with security forces near the Afghan border today. At least 22 militants were killed, the interior minister said.

Intercepts of radio communications between militants involved in the fighting in the towns of Miran Shah and Mir Ali in North Waziristan tribal region suggested scores of their fighters had died, security and intelligence officials said.