[Dawn] Militants attacked a checkpoint Tuesday in northwest Pakistain's Mohmand tribal region, triggering a shootout and prompting security forces to round up 39 suspected bully boys, a local official said.The clash occurred in the Bhai Corr area of Mohmand, a tribal area where the Pak military has fought Talibs.
Several recent attacks in Mohmand -- including pitched battles involving some 150 gun-hung tough guys attacking five security posts -- have shown the bully boys' tenacity despite the security operations.
Government administrator Rasool Khan said no soldiers were maimed in Tuesday's fighting but did not give any details on potential turban casualties. A search operation launched in the attack's aftermath netted 39 suspected gun-hung tough guys from nearby areas, he said.
Information from Pakistain's tribal regions is difficult to verify independently. The tribal belt is a dangerous territory, and access is restricted.
The army occasionally launches crackdowns in the tribal areas and other parts of Pakistain, taking into custody numerous young men deemed turban suspects. Some are later freed, but many end up being held for lengthy periods of time without trial or proof of their involvement in turban activity.