Pakistani forces kill 21 tribal rebels in southwest

QUETTA, Pakistan, July 9 (Reuters) At least 21 tribal militants have been killed in an offensive by Pakistani security forces in southwestern Baluchistan province, the second such attack in less than a week, officials said today.

The forces, backed by helicopter gunships, began the operation in Sangsilla and Bamboore areas of the Dera Bugti district yesterday and continued today.

''At least 21 miscreants have been killed and 13 have been wounded,'' provincial government spokesman Razik Bugti said, adding information was based on intercepted communications between the rebels.

REUTERS PKS BST1704