Arms Makers Face Closure ; Pakistani Bazaar Provided Weapons for Militants

Summary

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A notorious arms bazaar that provides a source of weapons for al Qaeda-backed fighters in Pakistan's northwestern areas faces closure after heavy fighting between government troops and Islamic militants late last month, reports from the area said.

The fighting erupted Jan. 25 when militants loyal to South Waziristan insurgent commander Baitullah Mehsud blocked the strategic Kohat Tunnel, 30 miles south of Peshawar, and seized four civilian trucks carrying ammunition and other supplies for the government troops.

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Arms Makers Face Closure ; Pakistani Bazaar Provided Weapons for Militants

The troops staged a major operation to recover the ammunition, and both sides suffered heavy casualties in five days of fighting around Darra ...

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