At least five Taliban fighters were killed in a military operation in Nawagai and Mamoond tehsils of Bajaur Agency on Sunday, according to officials, as troops pounded Taliban positions with artillery, gunship helicopters and fighter jets. Official sources said several Taliban positions were destroyed in the offensive, and troops were now advancing towards Nawagai and other areas. The fighting has forced hundreds people to leave the area in search of safer locations.
In Landikotal, sources said security forces clashed with Taliban fighters who were on their way to Jamrud from Shelam. A Taliban vehicle was damaged in the fighting in Charwazgai area, but the fighters managed to escape. The Taliban had on Saturday distributed pamphlets in Landikotal that claimed they were not behind the kidnappings and killings of innocent people.
Meanwhile, unidentified men reportedly kidnapped two Khasadars from the Arkhandey checkpost near Kam Shelman. The abducted men, identified as Kamal Khan and Sabeel Khan Shelmani, were on duty when they were kidnapped.
Checkpost attacked: In Bannu, Online reported that 60 to 70 Taliban fighters attacked a police checkpost near the Bannu airport, and fled following a clash with troops. The news agency, however, reported no casualties in the attack or the ensuing clash.
Music centre blown up: Meanwhile in Mingora, unidentified assailants blew up a music centre, and the ensuing fire spread to two nearby shops, according to Online. Fire brigade units arrived at the scene, and managed to control the fire.
Separately, NNI reported that security forces pounded Taliban hideouts in Kabal and Matta overnight.
In Hangu, Online said that two rockets were fired into the city from an unknown location -- on landed in the mountains while the other hit a former tehsil nazim's house. The agency reported no casualties in the incident.