Attack on Pakistani outpost leaves 18 dead

Los Angeles Times

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Dozens of militants attacked a Pakistani security outpost Saturday in an area near the Afghan border, leaving 18 people dead and adding another trouble spot to the nation’s extended list.

At a time when Pakistan’s army has gone on the offensive against Taliban fighters spreading out from the Swat Valley, the attack called into question how effective and long-lasting some of its efforts may be.

Saturday’s attack in the northwestern Mohmand tribal region took place in an area where the military previously claimed it had driven out the militants and dismantled various ministates.

The clash underscored the frustration Pakistan’s traditionally trained and organized army faces battling a fluid insurgency.