Pak security forces kill 22 militants in Bajaur

Khar (Pakistan), Nov 22 : Twenty-two militants were killed and five others sustained injuries when Pakistani security forces pounded the hideouts of suspected militants in the Damadola area of troubled Bajaur Agency.

Sources said security forces pounded the hideouts of militants in Damadola, Tanikhwar, Sapray, Charmang, Kotki, Zorbandar, Glokas Shenkot, Kharkay and Gutki areas of Mamond and Nawagai Tehsils on Friday.

Security forces have claimed to have destroyed most of the hideouts of militants during the daylong operation, adding that the writ of the government has been restored in most parts of the troubled agency.

Meanwhile, the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has denied its involvement in an attack on a mosque in the Badan area of the Mamond Tehsil of Bajaur Agency.

TTP spokesman Maulvi Omar claimed: "Taliban cannot even think of committing such an act in the mosque as we do not believe in assault."

"The TTP is in favour of resolving issues through talks and Taliban have made an offer of talks but the government does not respond," he said, adding that the TTP was sincere in holding talks with the government.

The death toll in Thursday's suicide attack has risen to 12, officials said on Friday.

An anti-militant tribal elder, Haji Rehmatullah, who was also killed in the attack, ran the mosque.

ANI