The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Islamabad

Pakistan's military said Saturday it killed at least 72 militants in three days of fighting near the Afghan border, where Taliban and al-Qaida militants are believed to be hiding.

The army has intensified ground and air attacks in an effort to flush out Taliban and local militants from the Bajur tribal region. "We killed 72 militants, while eight of our soldiers died in Bajur since Wednesday," Maj. Murad Khan told The Associated Press, adding the military was still targeting militant positions in various parts of Bajur.

Khan Mohammed, an area resident, said the military was facing "unusual resistance" from militants. "The exchange of fire between the army and Taliban is still continuing," he said.

Pakistan is a key ally in the U.S. war on terror and Bajur is believed to serve as a safe haven for Taliban, al-Qaida and Pakistani militants. The region has been the site of several suspected U.S. missile attacks that have killed several al-Qaida operatives, including close associates of al-Qaida No. 2 leader Ayman al-Zawahri. Although Pakistan has carried out several military operations in its tribal regions in recent years, the latest offensive in Bajur comes amid an increase in suspected U.S. missile attacks in Pakista's tribal areas. Pakistan has vowed to defend its territory since a U.S.-led ground assault killed at least 15 people earlier this month, prompting Islamabad to lodge a strong protest with the United States.

Pakistan's military and civil leadership and opposition parties are perturbed over reports that President Bush secretly approved more aggressive cross-border operations in July.

The party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Friday the change in policy could make it hard for Pakistan to maintain the close alliance with Washington forged by former President Pervez Musharraf.