Three Taliban among 10 killed in clashes with tribal elders in Bajaur Agency

Bajaur Agency (Pakistan), Nov 18 : At least 10 people, included three Taliban, were killed in clashes between the Taliban and pro-government tribal leaders in the Bajaur Agency last evening.

According to local government officials, the Taliban intercepted a convoy of vehicles carrying 12 pro-government elders of the Mamoond tribe.

The tribesmen opened fire and killed three Taliban, including their commander. The elders then took refuge in a guesthouse belonging to a local tribal chief, but more Taliban arrived, who besieged the house and demanded the local chief hand over the elders, the Daily Times quoted a local government official Israr Khan as saying.

He added: "They opened fire and lobbed hand grenades inside, killing four elders and three servants of the tribal chief."

Separately, in Swat at least 17 Taliban were killed and several injured in clashes with security forces in Swat on Tuesday, a military statement said.

"Security forces fired artillery on Taliban hideouts in Kabal tehsil of Swat, which triggered a crossfire, killing seven Taliban," it added.

Besides, troops also killed eight Taliban following an abortive attempt by them to ambush a convoy of security forces in Khawazakhela area, the statement added.

ANI