PESHAWAR: At least 24 militants and 12 security personnel were killed and several others injured in clashes in Baizai area of Mohmand Agency on Friday.
The clashes erupted when a group of militants attacked five checkposts in Baizai late on Thursday. Officials said around 150 militants attacked the checkposts at Ghanam Shah, Badmani and Sar Kandaw.
Subsequently, 12 security personnel were killed and another 12 injured. There were reports that several personnel went missing, but Mohmand Political Agent Amjad Ali Khan contradicted the claims, saying the situation was under control.
Following the attack, security forces backed by helicopter gunships retaliated and killed 24 militants. The bodies of nine militants were been taken into custody. Taliban spokesman in Mohmand Agency told reporters over telephone that the occupation of five checkposts continued, contradicting claims of security officials. He said the militants had the bodies of six security personnel, while another two had been taken hostage.
Reports claim that the security situation in Mohmand Agency is still far from better, as the Taliban have set up their hideouts and compounds across the area and are launching terrorist acts in the adjacent Peshawar district.
