Waziristan clashes leave 58 dead

At least 58 people, including 16 soldiers, have been killed in clashes between Pakistani troops and militants in the North Waziristan region.

Security forces struck militant bases after a checkpoint was attacked in the Mir Ali area, the army said.

President Pervez Musharraf is under continuing US pressure to tackle al-Qaeda and Taleban militants in the region bordering Afghanistan.

Gen Musharraf has pledged to continue the fight "100% against terrorism".

Mosque attack

Military spokesman Maj Gen Waheed Arshad said: "The operation is over but some clashes are still going on in other areas."

Heavy artillery and helicopter gunships were used to attack militants' positions in mountains after the attack on the checkpoint near Mir Ali town.

Local residents said at least four civilians were among the dead.

Pakistan has witnessed increased militant attacks, particularly in the tribal regions, since the military stormed radical Islamists in the Red Mosque in Islamabad in July.

More than 200 soldiers are still thought to be held by militants after being abducted in South Waziristan in August.

Pakistan has about 90,000 troops engaged against the militants in the Afghan border region.