Seven militants killed in Bajaur operation

At least 10 militants were killed and five other injured when security forces (SF) targeted their positions on Saturday in Bajaur tribal agency. Official sources said gunship helicopters hit militants hideouts at Gagha, Damadola, Savei, Zorbandar, Nawagi and destroyed their hideouts.

In Swat, security forces apprehended nine miscreants during the search operation on Saturday. ISPR sources said that security forces pounded positions of miscreants in Koza Bandai and Damga Dheri of Kabbal Tehsil killing a number of miscreants. Huge quantity of arms, ammunitions and explosives were also recovered from miscreants’ hideouts. Army has asked people to co-operate with security forces for the expulsion of miscreants and restoration of peace and tranquillity to the area.

Meanwhile, 35 persons were killed and 39 others injured in clashes between Torri and rival tribes in Kurram Agency since Friday night. The government has given 72 hours deadline to warring tribesmen to end fighting. Torri tribe held a jirga with Political Administration today for returning normalcy to area. Jirga members agreed on maintenance of peace and asked the political administration to hold talks with rival tribe to stop fighting.

The violence in Kurram Agency escalated late Saturday night, as tribesmen set more than two dozen empty houses in a village in Lower Kurram, Aaj TV reported. According to the channel, the houses in the Jailamai village were emptied when hundreds of families fled the region, which has been a flash point of violent clashes for nearly a fortnight.