Webcast News Service, 24 June 2008

Taliban and al-Qaida-linked terrorists have taken over a town after clashing with a rival group in northwestern Pakistan.

Local officials said terrorists loyal to Baitullah Mehsud seized the town of Jandola, near South Waziristan, late Monday after fighting with tribesmen led by Turkistan Bitani, commander of a pro-government faction in the region.

At least nine people have been killed in the fighting.

The clash comes as Pakistan's new government tries to strike a peace deal with terrorists in the tribal region.

Pakistani officials say security forces were expected to take action against terrorists loyal to Mehsud to restore control of Jandola.

Elsewhere in Pakistan's northwest, military officials say terrorists attacked a military convoy in the Swat Valley, Tuesday. At least one terrorist was killed and another wounded, when troops responded to the attack.

Tuesday's attack came despite a government peace deal with pro-Taliban terrorists in the former tourist destination.