Security forces kill 12 cross-border attackers in Bajaur

PESHAWAR: Dozens of militants from Afghanistan crossed the border into Pakistan and attacked a village on Thursday, military officials said, an incident likely to increase tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

Twelve militants were killed in the skirmish, which lasted several hours, in the tribal region of Bajaur, officials said,and two Pakistani soldiers were wounded.

Local military officials said the militants had taken up positions in the village of Katkot in the Mamund area, and were surrounded by Pakistani forces.

"The militants attacked the village, focusing on government buildings. Security forces have surrounded them and have called in gunship helicopters as well, but are not resorting to heavy weapons because of the presence of civilians," said Abdul Jabbar Shah, the top government official in Bajaur.

"They are effectively holding the village hostage."

Bajaur is one of the Pashtun tribal regions near the Afghan border. The Pakistan military has mounted recent offensives there against the al Qaeda-linked Pakistani Taliban.