Pakistan kills 16 militants near Afghan border

ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (Reuters) Pakistani security forces killed 16 pro-Taliban militants in fierce clashes in a troubled tribal region near the border with Afghanistan, a military spokesman said.

The clashes erupted in the Shawal area of North Waziristan after an overnight attack by militants on a paramilitary post.

Military spokesman Major-General Shaukat Sultan said eight militants were killed in a retaliatory attack during the night while another eight were killed in fighting on Wednesday.

REUTERS CH BS1826