Pak troops kill 12 Taliban in Bajaur, tribals form lashkars to support Army

Khar, Oct 25 : Pakistani security forces reportedly killed 12 Taliban last evening, after they targeted suspected Taliban hideouts in various areas of Bajaur Agency.

Backed by tanks and helicopter gunships, the security forces pounded the Taliban positions in Charmang, Chinar, Kohi and Banda areas in Nawagai tehsil and Zobandar and Anzrai areas in Khar tehsil, reported the Daily Times.

The security forces advanced in Zoband and Luijor areas of Khar tehsil and strengthened their positions, the sources said, adding the forces destroyed a number of underground bunkers of the Taliban in these areas.

Besides, Jet aircraft also bombed Taliban hideouts in Shinkot area of the agency.

Meanwhile, in grand jirga held yesterday, Mamoond tribes' elders decided to extend full co-operation to security forces to restore the government's writ in the area. Law and order is improving in the agency due to the operation launched by security forces.

In Matta tehsil in Swat, locals formed a lashkar of more than 4000 armed men and ordered Taliban to leave the area in three days. The decision was made at a jirga held at Labat High School with Pir Samiullah in the chair. Elders from the neighbouring areas also attended the jirga.

ANI