13 militants, two soldiers killed in Mohmand clashes
GHALLANAI: Thirteen militants and two security forces’ personnel were killed as clashes continued in different areas of Lakaro Tehsil of militancy-hit Mohmand Agency on Sunday.
Sources said fierce clashes between the security forces and the militants continued in Mulakhel, Sandokhel and Habibzai areas of Lakaro Tehsil for the second consecutive day. Both sides reportedly used heavy weapons against each other, while gunship choppers also bombed the positions of militants in Mulakhel area.
The sources added that 13 militants were killed and several others injured in the clashes. Three of the dead militants were identified as Yaqoob, Qari Rahmanullah and Umar Khitab, while the names of other militants could not be ascertained.
Military sources, however, claimed that 18 militants were killed and many others wounded in the action. Two soldiers, whose identity could not be established, were also killed in the two-day encounters, the sources added.
Meanwhile, the security forces continued demolishing the suspected hideouts and houses of militants. The sources said 43 houses from Darwazgai to Mulakhel area and 40 shops in Khaakh Bazaar were leveled to the ground.
It was learnt that a high and two primary schools, the PTCL exchange, a hostel for women teachers and Bakht Jamal Filling Station in Sandokhel were also razed, while trees on both sides of the road were chopped down. Some tribesmen complained that the houses of many people who had nothing to do with militancy were also demolished. They demanded of the security forces to stop destroying the houses of innocent people.
Source: The news
Date:1/19/2009
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