At least 17 suspected militants were killed and several others injured in an operation by security forces in Khyber and Kurram agencies on Monday.
Reports said eight bullet-ridden bodies were found in the Shalobar Qambarkhel area of Bara tehsil of Khyber agency in the early hours of Monday. The locals later confirmed that the killed persons belonged to the area and were reportedly affiliated with a banned militant group. Later, officials said all eight militants were killed in security forces’ action. There were no further details. However, evacuation of tribesmen from the Shalobar Qambarkhel area of Bara is in its final stages. So far over 100,000 families from Bara have abandoned homes and shifted to safer areas of Peshawar and the Jalozai refugee camp. The government preparing action against militants in the area once the evacuation of tribesmen completes. Officials said all routes and roads had been cordoned off and no one was being allowed to leave or enter without confirmation of identity.
On the other hand, security forces claimed targeting hideouts and compounds of militants in Kota area of Central Kurram Agency with the backing of helicopter gunships.
The officials said nine militants were killed and three hideouts had been destroyed in the offensive.
Meanwhile, a volunteer of the traditional tribal peace lashkar was killed and four others injured when militants attacked a checkpost in Khavezai area of Mohmand Agency. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack on the checkpost manned jointly by the security forces and peace lashkar.
