Security forces on Saturday claimed to have killed 26 militants and destroyed several hideouts of terrorists in the Yakaghund Tehsil of the restive Mohmand Agency.Independent sources said an official of security forces was killed and four others, including a major, sustained injuries in a clash with militants.
Sources told The News that a convoy of security forces, along with officials of the political administration, was on way to Rawal Kor, Bhai Kor, Qasimkhel and Dadukhel in Michni area of Yakaghund subdivision to conduct a search operation against the militants when attacked.
The militants attacked the convoy in Bakro Sar area, killing Naik Khalid Khan on the spot and injuring Major Alamgir, Haweldar Babu, Naik Ihsan and Sepoy Mumtaz in the ensuing gunfight. The wounded personnel were airlifted to a hospital in Peshawar.
It was learnt that the gunbattle between security forces and militants continued for two hours. Security forces then moved towards Mulla Ghani Baba and Sapri areas where the militants ended resistance and fled.
After the incident, security forces heavily shelled the suspected hideouts of the militants in Sapri, Sahib Cheena, Umar Banda, Kohi Banda and Mulla Ghani Baba with artillery and gunship helicopters.
At least, 26 militants were killed during security forces' action in Sapri area of the Mohmand Agency, said a press release issued by the Frontier Corps Headquarters. It claimed that security forces also secured the area around Sapri. Meanwhile, curfew was imposed from Michni to Pir Qala and Yakaghund, and roads remained closed for all kinds of traffic.