Wana, Pakistan, Mar 16: Pakistani paramilitary forces attacked tribal fighters sheltering al Qaeda militants near the rugged Afghan border Tuesday and five people were killed in fierce clashes, officials said.
Heavy exchanges of gunfire erupted at dawn from an area where some of the wanted tribesmen were believed to be hiding, said residents of the town of Wana. The clash came a day before Secretary of State Colin Powell was due to visit Pakistan. Speaking as he flew to India Monday, Powell urged Pakistan to ramp up its military activities near the Afghan border. "The situation is very serious, very intense, there have been casualties," one resident said.
A Pakistani security official said two paramilitary men had been killed and four wounded whereas as per reports at least three tribal fighters were killed and several wounded.