Pakistan's army began an offensive against al-Qaeda and other militants in a rugged tribal region bordering Afghanistan today, killing at least 12 people and arresting 10.
An army spokesman said two Pakistani soldiers had been wounded in the operation. Gunfire could be heard coming from the direction of five compounds in the area.
"Al-Qaeda people have taken refuge in these five big compounds. We do not know how many people are hiding there," the spokesman said.
He said the majority of those killed and captured appeared to be foreigners. It was not immediately clear if any top-ranking al-Qaeda operatives were among them.
Journalists at the scene saw four bodies and Maj Faisal said eight others were lying in an area about 100 yards away that was too dangerous to enter.
Ten al-Qaeda suspects, blindfolded and with their hands tied behind their backs, were led away from the area.
AP