16 militants killed tribal clash in Pakistan

Islamabad, Nov 17: At least 16 militants were killed in a fierce clash with tribals and security forces in Pakistan's tribal region of Bajuar.

According to the local people, a Lashkar or force of the Oriazai clan's 10 militants were killed and lost its chief Malik Fazal Mabud and important tribal leader Malik Jamdar Khan in the gun battle on Sunday, Nov 16, in Gutkai and Bandarae areas of Bajaur, where Army troops had launched an operation in August to clean the area of local and foreign militants hiding there. Both sides took positions on elevations and used heavy weapons.

Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Maulvi Umer claimed that none of his men had been killed and said they had captured 25 members of the Lashkar.

He said during a 'jirga' they had agreed to leave that area.

But some members of the Lashkar, he said, had misbehaved with Taliban supporters and that resulted in the clash.

Local people said the clash began after the Lashkar set on fire houses of some militants.

It is learnt that the exchange of fire had stopped in the evening.

Meanwhile, security forces backed by artillery and helicopter gunships continued attacks on suspected militant positions in Mamond and Nawagai areas.

It is learnt that at least six militants were killed in helicopter attacks in the Tanai area of Mamond.

In Umrai area, a mortar shell hit a vehicle killing two civilians.

UNI