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Thousands flee as 22 killed in Bajaur
[Dawn] At least 22 militants were killed and 12 others injured when military planes, helicopter gunships and artillery attacked militants' hideouts in Bajaur Agency on Monday. Thousands of people were seen fleeing the from Mamond area to safe places in and around Khar. Militant positions in Sewai, Damadola, Khaza, Senai, Janishah and Banda areas of Mamond tehsil were attacked. Security forces claimed to have destroyed several hideouts and bunkers. According to sources, three security personnel were injured in a clash in Damadola. The bodies of two security personnel missing for a couple of days were found in the Banda area. Local people said the bodies of about 20 suspected militants killed in clashes with security personnel were lying around Banda hills. According to sources, people appealed to the troops to announce a temporary ceasefire so that they could retrieve and bury the bodies. Security forces also claimed to have taken control of Khaza and Banda hilltops. Troops took control of Sewai and Jani Shah in Mamond and reached Seyai, about 1km away from Damadola which was still under militants' control. According to the sources, about 4,000 people left their homes in Dabbar, Badan, Sewai and Shago on Monday. The fleeing people were facing difficulties because of shortage of transport and most of them walked for about 25kms to reach safe areas. They said they had left their belongings in their homes. The administration has closed all educational institutions for an indefinite period. The agency headquarters of Khar and adjoining areas have been under curfew for three days, the Peshawar-Bajaur road and all markets have been closed. Posted by: Fred 2010-02-02 |
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