Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pakistan forces battled Taliban guerrillas for control of a strategic northern valley for a fourth day yesterday, reportedly killing up to 60 militants, as the government opened talks with an influential cleric to try and end the violence.
The militants were still in control of parts of Buner valley, just 60 miles northwest of Islamabad, though troops had secured the main town of Daggar on Wednesday, after helicopters dropped troops behind enemy lines.
The ground troops had established links with the soldiers airlifted to Daggar, but heavy fighting continued elsewhere in the valley, according to military spokesman Major-General Athar Abbas. "The kind of resistance militants are offering shows what are their objectives. Resistance is still continuing," he told a news conference in Rawalpindi, a garrison town adjoining Islamabad.
Some 170 militants are reported to have been killed in the fighting since Sunday.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments