Eighteen Taliban were killed in the security forces' operation in Bajaur Agency on Monday. Four Taliban died in artillery shelling in different areas of Mamond tehsil on Monday morning, while 14 Taliban were killed in bombing by jet fighters in the afternoon, officials said.
Jirga: In Khar, the agency headquarters, a grand jirga of tribal elders decided to take strict action against those found involved in anti-state activities. They said the houses of those found sheltering the Taliban would be torhced and they would be expelled from the area.
The jirga decided to impose a fine of Rs 2 million on those who sheltered the Taliban in their areas.
The jirga members assured the government of their full co-operation, and said they would fight alongside the security forces for restoration of peace in the agency.
The jirga members expressed satisfaction over the restoration of the government's writ in many areas of Salarzai tehsil. They asked the tribesmen to continue co-operation with the government to ensure lasting peace in the agency.
US drone: A suspected US drone was seen flying at low altitude over several areas of North Waziristan Agency, spreading panic among the people.
Locals said drones that fly low usually fire missiles. But, the white-coloured spy plane did not fire. Speaking at an emergency news conference following drone flights in the area, local elders asked the government to stop US attacks in the agency.
They said the violation of Pakistani airspace by US spy planes was a threat to the country's security. The elders asked the government to take practical steps instead of lodging protests with the US.
Retaliation: The elders said if the attacks were not stopped, the tribesmen would join the Taliban to fight against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
They asked the government to ensure the joint resolution passed after an in-camera briefing to parliamentarians is implemented.
APP reported that the political administration of Orakzai Agency arrested at least 20 tribesmen accused of involvement in the abduction of six people on Saturday. The abducted included two Levies personnel. The arrested included men of the Rabia Khel and Asa Khel tribes. The political administration said it would continue action against the tribes until the recovery of the abducted people.