Islamabad, Rajab 23, 1432, Jun 25, 2011, SPA - At least 18 militants were killed on Saturday in fighting between two rival groups of Taliban in Pakistan's tribal region along the Afghan border, a government official said. The battle took place in Orakzai district, where a months-long Pakistani security operation is underway to completely root out insurgents, according to a report of the German Press Agency "DPA". Mehboob Khan, a local government official, said the infighting broke out before dawn as the conflicting groups exchanged fire with assault rifles and artillery. "According to our information, 18 people from both sides have been killed," said Khan. --SPA 15:00 LOCAL TIME 12:00 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/905432