Five militants killed in Bajaur offensive | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Five militants killed in Bajaur offensive

KHAR: Security forces shelled suspected militants’ positions in the Nawagai tehsil of the Bajaur Agency, killing five militants and injuring three others, while two militant commanders were arrested on Friday.

Sources said the security forces continued their offensive against militants in Babara, Manogai, Chinar, Kohi and other areas in the Charmang valley of the Nawagai tehsil, about 40 kilometres northwest of here.

Officials said the forces fired shells and used other heavy weaponry to target militants’ positions.

Sources said the security forces faced stiff resistance from militants and their advance towards militants’ stronghold was halted for some time. However, the forces backed by tanks and mortar guns gained control of a government fort and also secured the Chinar area where militants had set up bunkers.

According to the sources, the security forces also conducted a search operation in the areas secured on Friday and captured two militant commanders. The security forces also recovered a huge cache of weapons, anti-tank mines, landmines, hand grenades, rocket launchers, mortar shells, material used in the making of remote control bombs, Kalashnikovs and a huge amount of Afghan currency during the search operation.

During the advance on Friday, the forces also demolished with tanks a number of houses in the Charmang valley. However, residents said it could not be known whether the houses were of civilians or militants used them to attack the security forces.

Source: Dawn

Date:6/27/2009