15 Taliban killed as Pak troops target hideouts

Khar (NWFP), Oct 21: As many as 15 Taliban were killed when security forces used heavy artillery, fighter jets and helicopter gunships to target suspected hideouts in Bajaur Agency, last evening.

After the attacks in the Chinar, Charmang, Kohi, Babra, Zorbandar, Hashim and Loyesam areas of the tribal region, helicopters dropped pamphlets asking tribesmen to support the government against Taliban. Government troops now control Salarzai and Utman Khel tehsils and parts of Khar, reported the Daily Times.

According to the paper, shops, banks, government offices and schools remained open in Khar, where the security situation has improved. Meanwhile, about 300 elders from the Salarzai tribe vowed to resist Taliban in their areas during a grand jirga held in Bajaur.

The elders said they would fight against the Taliban for Pakistan's sake, and would not allow them to re-enter their land. They asked the government to launch development and welfare projects in the area to win more tribesmen over.

Meanwhile, in Swat, seven Taliban were killed and another ten wounded in a clash with security forces in the Shah Dherai area of Swat's Kabal tehsil on Monday, Oct 20 military officials said.

A military spokesman in Mingora said that the clash followed an attack by Taliban on a security checkpoint. Troops also used artillery to target Taliban positions in the area. Residents said several civilians were killed as mortar shells hit houses.

Taliban fired seven rockets at a security checkpost in Totano Bandai area of Kabal, but there were no casualties.

ANI