Pakistan PM condemns killing of troops

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AFP) — Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned Sunday the killing of 17 soldiers by Taliban militants in the country's restive northwest, saying they had been lured into a trap.

The soldiers were part of a convoy ambushed by rebels armed with rocket- propelled grenades and assault rifles as they headed to a fort outside the city of Hangu near the border with Afghanistan on Saturday.

"I strongly condemn the killing of Frontier Constabulary personnel and salute them for their courage and valour," Gilani told reporters during a brief visit to Peshawar to condole the death of the mother of a senior politician.

"The security men were cheated by the militants as the security personnel were on their way for negotiations for the release of hostages. It was a cowardly act," Gilani said.

Pakistan ...