Pakistan: 19 militants killed in S. Waziristan　

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Pakistani forces have killed 19 militants in an intense clash in South Waziristan. This comes as insurgents launched a raid in another north-western region to divert the army's attention.

The army assault in South Waziristan is in its 11th day. About 28 thousand soldiers are advancing on about 10 thousand fighters in the Taliban main stronghold area from three directions.

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

A Pakistani soldier fires a machine gun in south Waziristan in  this October 26, 2009 video grab. Pakistani forces killed 19  militants in an intense clash in South Waziristan on Monday while  insurgents aiming to divert the army's attention launched a raid  in another north-western region, officials said. (REUTERS/Inter Services Public Relations via Reuters TV)

A military spokesman says forces have managed to secure Gharlai village and nearby ridges. He says the militants put up stiff resistance and used all sorts of weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades and heavy and light machine guns.