Security forces kill 64 militants in tribal Pakistan

Islamabad, Sep 15 (UNI) Pakistani Security forces claimed to have killed 64 Taliban militants in an intensified operation in various parts of the troubled Bajaur tribal region near Afghan border, as the locals continued shifting to safer places.

However, independent sources said 11 militants were killed and eight others injured yesterday in the aerial blitz at Loisam, Rashkai, Tang Khatta and other areas of the violence-hit agency, lodal daily The News reported today.

The security forces also claimed to have destroyed almost all the militants' positions and inflicted heavy casualties on them in these areas.

Sources said the security forces continued pounding hideouts of the militants in their strongholds in Loisam, Tang Khatta, Rashkai, Khazana and Bhai Cheena.

The bombing with jet fighters and gunship choppers and artillery shelling on the militants' strongholds started early morning and continued till late last evening, leaving 11 militants dead and eight others injured.

The security forces started advance movements in different areas.

Due to consolidated and effective operation, the security forces succeeded in re-establishing the government's writ in Khar, the main town of Bajaur, and most parts of the Utmankhel and Khar subdivisions.

Because of the improved law and order situation, curfew was relaxed in almost all the areas of Bajaur yesterday. Several markets were opened as normalcy returned to different parts of Khar and others areas, which saw more than 260,000 people fleeing to Peshawar and other northwestern cities last month.

People thronged the markets and engaged in shopping of necessary items in different areas of Bajaur where more than 600 people, most of them militants were killed since the launch of the operation in early August.

UNI XC PD HT1308