Pakistan clashes lead to at least 100 deaths

Pakistani forces bombed dozens of houses in a tribal region near the Afghan border today, officials and witnesses said, amid reports that days of clashes have killed at least 100 insurgents and nine paramilitary troops.

Details have been scarce about the military offensive in Bajur, an insurgent stronghold considered a possible hiding place for al Qaida leaders Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahri.