Pakistan forces bomb Taliban in S. Waziristan, kills 19 militants

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Pakistani forces killed 19 militants during an intense showdown in South Waziristan on Monday. Insurgents aiming to divert the army's attention, launched another raid in the northwest.

The latest fighting in Pakistan took place when the Taliban tried to block soldiers advancing from the southeast towards a major militant base at Sararogha.

Government forces managed to secure a village, and nearby ridges, after a clash in which 10 extremists and six soldiers were killed.

An intelligence agency official in the region says the insurgents put up stiff resistance and used all sorts of weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades, and heavy and light machine guns.

Another group of militants attacked a security post near the town of Hangu, about 100 kilometers northeast of South Waziristan. 14 extremists and one soldier lost their lives. Police officers say the action was a diversionary raid.

Pakistan launched its assault on the global insurgent hub in South Waziristan 10 days ago, after a series of deadly bombs and raids, including a bloody siege at army headquarters.

But according to the United Nations, the conflict in the militant stronghold has forced 155-thousand local residents out of their homes.

There are also concerns that retreating extremists may join in with displaced civilians. Security forces are thoroughly checking the identities and baggage of every person leaving the war zone.