Pak security forces kill 14 militants in Mohmand

Peshawar, Dec 3 (ANI): Pakistani security forces have taken control of another important town in the troubled Bajaur tribal region while 21 people, including 14 militants, were killed in an air strike in the adjacent Mohmand tribal region on Wednesday, officials said.

Officials and local people said that troops backed by tanks and armored personnel carriers' secured Nawagai town, some 30 kilometers northwest of Khar near the Afghan border.

Local people welcomed the troops and hoisted white flags on their rooftops, Dawn reported.

Militants did not put up resistance and forces captured the entire town. Residents said militants had already vacated their positions. The town, which is adjacent to Afghanistan's Kunar province, was a stronghold of the militants. Forces had secured hilltops and took positions in all sensitive areas.

Officials said authorities had asked the displaced people to return to their homes. Sources said militants had set up a vast network in the town where they had set up detention centers, constructed tunnels and bunkers. fter Lowi Sam, Nawagai is the second major town in the troubled region which has been fully secured.

Forces had launched an operation in Bajaur on August 6 to flush out militants and establish the government's writ.

Officials claimed that heavy casualties had been inflicted on militants in operation Sher Dill (Lion Heart), killing more than 1,500 miscreants.

Meanwhile jet fighters and helicopters hit suspected positions in Lakaro sub division of Mohmand tribal region on Wednesday inflicting casualties on militants, official sources said.

According to unconfirmed reports, 14 militants and seven civilians were killed in the air strike carried out in Ziarat, Ghaziabad, Bagh Pahar and Karier areas. Militants led by Umar Khalid have a strong presence in these areas adjacent to Bajaur. (ANI)