Islamabad, Aug 21, SPA -- Pakistani troops backed by artillery and aircraft attacked two suspected terroristhide-outs near the rugged Afghan border on Saturday,security officials said. The attack was launched near Shakai in the SouthWaziristan tribal region, scene of several militarycounter terrorism operations against al-Qaida fugitives andrenegade tribesmen in the recent months. Pakistan army spokesman Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan said thatPakistani troops on Saturday exchanged fire with "foreignmiscreants" who had suffered casualties, but he had nodetails. He denied a major new military operation wasunderway. --SPA1259 Local Time 0959 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/193756