Six militants killed before Bajaur truce

PESHAWAR - At least six alleged militants were killed when security forces hit their vehicle before the halt of the operation in Bajaur Agency. However, security forces, following the decision of the Federal government, halted the ongoing military action against Taliban militants throughout Bajaur Agency from Monday midnight while the traditional tribal Lashkar also intensified its drive for purging the area, dominated by Salarzai tribesmen, of the militants.

According to details, before declaring unilateral ceasefire, the security forces targeted the militants suspected hideouts with gunship helicopters and carried out severe shelling in various parts of Bajaur Agency. A mortar shell hit a vehicle, killing all six persons on board. All killed persons were stated militants. At midnight, the military action was halted and artillery, gunship helicopters and security forces guns of all kinds went silent.  

However, some helicopters were seen hovering over the area. But the  security personnel remained in their barracks and checkposts.

Meanwhile, traditional tribal Lashkar also intensified its drive for purging the area and houses of more than 15 leading militants, including that of a top commander, Maulvi Nemat Ullah, were set on fire. The youth of the Lashkar also killed a militant. A tribesman informed that the youth arrested the said militant, who hiding in maize crops when the houses of his colleagues were being demolished. The youth shot him dead on the spot.

After the ceasefire, a large number of the displaced tribesmen started returning to their homes from Dir, Peshawar, Charsadda and other areas. Malik Habib from Salarzai area who, along with hundreds of others, was residing in Munda Camp in Dir also returned to his village on Monday.

Meanwhile, at least one person was killed another was injured when security forces attacked a house with mortars on Monday while five houses and one school were damaged by missiles fired by jet fighter planes targeting suspected hideouts of militants in Numal and Fewchar areas of Matta.

It was the second time that jet fighters hit the militants suspected hideouts with five missiles. No loss of life has been reported. However, Taliban spokesman has said that security forces had been targeting the innocent people.

Meanwhile a person was killed and another was injured when security forces fired several mortars on a house.