Eleven gun-hung tough guys of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistain, three security personnel and a member of Salarzai Qaumi Lashkar were killed and several others injured as fighting intensified in Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur tribal region on Tuesday.Sources said that fierce festivities between security forces and Taliban have taken place in several areas of Salarzai tehsil in which both sides used heavy weapons.
According to a TTP front man, 15 security personnel were killed in the fighting, but official sources rejected the Taliban claim.
"The fresh fighting which started on Monday night continued till Tuesday evening was one of the heaviest between security forces and Islamic fascisti since festivities started in the area," a local resident said.
Officials of the local administration said that the security forces and volunteers backed by artillery and helicopter gunships attacked Taliban positions in mountainous areas along the border region and at least 11 Islamic fascisti were killed and several others maimed.
"We have also lost a member of the peace committee. Five security personnel and four volunteers suffered injuries," the official said.
He said that helicopter gunships pounded turbans' hideouts in hilly areas and destroyed some of them.
The official claimed that the forces had taken control of several key positions in the Ghatki area.
Dozens of families were still trapped in the conflict zone.
Meanwhile,
...back at the comedy club, Boogie was cracking himself up, but nobody else seemed to be getting the non-stop jokes...
Taliban's Malakand Division front man Sirajuddin told newsmen by phone that the gun-hung tough guys would continue to fight Pak forces and their supporters in the agency. He claimed important areas in the region were still under Taliban control.