Security personnel capture hill connecting Bajaur Agency with Kunar province of Afghanistan as over 20,000 IDP families return to Tirah
Amidst reports of violence and clashes which left at least seven dead, including two soldiers, officials claimed to have captured a strategic mountainous top in Bajaur Agency on Sunday.
The mountainous top, adjacent to KagaPass, connecting Bajaur Agency with Kunar province of Afghanistan, fell to security forces after deployment of security personnel with help of helicopters. Officials at Khar, headquarters of Bajaur Agency, confirmed the achievement and said three officials were injured in a gun battle with terrorists.
However, reports revealed clashes between terrorists and security forces near Durand Line. According to unconfirmed reports, two soldiers were killed and another five injured. Several terrorists were also killed in the clashes. Four of the terrorists were identified as Farhat, Zahir Shah, Shamsul Rahman and Tahir Mahmood.
According to tribal sources and officials, the strategically important hill was the main route of terrorists.
So far no official statement has been issued on the latest achievement, but it is believed that security forces have been able to cut supply line of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
IDPS RETURN TO TIRAH:
In the meanwhile, a second batch of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has reached Tirah Valley has been completed with arrival of over 20,000 families to their native areas, a private news channel reported Sunday.
Scores of people were displaced and had left their native villages in the wake of military operation against terrorist groups in the area.
Government sources said that people from three tribes had returned in a process that started from May 7. The IDP families will be provided free ration for six months each, along with Rs 50,000.
Rehabilitation work has also been started in the affected areas.
