A spokesman of the Pakistani army Major Murad Wednesday claimed that the security forces bombed positions of Taliban in Bajaur tribal area and killed 37 militants.

The News Network International (NNI) news agency quoted Murad as saying that artillery was used to hit Taliban positions at Kotki and Pashat areas of Bajaur.

He said dozens of militants were killed when the gunship helicopters attacked them inside a basic health unit, where they had gathered for attacks on security forces. Up to 30 militants were killed inside the building of the health unit, said Murad.

Murad said several foreign militants were among those killed, adding that seven militants were also killed in Nawagai village.

However, Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar denied the army claim and said no militant was killed in the fighting on Wednesday. The NNI quoted him as saying that the security forces were making claims to create panic among the people.

The security forces launched an operation against local militants in Bajaur last week.

(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2008)