41.   Also Thursday, Pakistani forces intensified their hunt for al-Qaida fighters who escaped a gunbattle with Pakistani troops near the Afghan border early Wednesday.

42.   And a small number of U.S. special forces is working with Pakistani troops in hopes of helping them catch any fleeing or regrouping on that side of the border.

43.   Any massing of Pakistani troops at the Indian border, for example, could draw Pakistani forces away from their recent deployments at the border with Afghanistan.

44.   Artillery fire, however, has come from positions inside Pakistan, where Pakistani troops are positioned.

45.   Both U.S. and Pakistani officials have confirmed that a small U.S. force is operating with Pakistani troops in the wild tribal region, which borders Afghanistan.

46.   But India contends the guerrillas are supplied from Pakistan and that Pakistani troops have been involved in the fighting.

47.   But tribesmen say they have seen American soldiers with Pakistani troops on raids of religious schools in the area.

48.   Days later, Pakistani troops opened heavy fire on Indian positions in the same area, Indian officers said.

49.   During recent weeks, local government buildings and Pakistani troops have come under sporadic rocket and machinegun fire from unknown attackers in the area.

50.   During recent weeks, local government buildings and Pakistani troops have come under sporadic rocket and machine-gun fire from unknown attackers in the area.