BAJAUR, July 24: The tribal administration and Mamond tribesmen have arrested 20 suspected Al Qaeda men and their supporters during a joint search operation here in Mamond sub-division, near the Pak-Afghan border.

According to reports reaching here, hundreds of tribesmen and jawans of Bajaur Levies were combing the entire area.  

The operation was started after the administration had received information about the presence of Al Qaeda men and many Afghans in the area who allegedly had remained associated with the toppled Taliban regime.

Sources said the houses of seven tribesmen, who had provided shelter to some Afghans, were torched by the administration.

An official of the administration claimed that as Mamond sub-division was   close to the Durand Line, therefore suspects from the adjoining Kunar province of Afghanistan had taken refuge here.

Initially, the Mamond tribesmen had refused to help the government in its operation, and it was decided only Pakistan Army, Bajaur Levies and Scouts would conduct the searching.

Later on, the tribal elders decided to join the operation with the condition that the US and Pakistani troops forces would not participate in it.

Presently, the joint forces are searching areas of Meena, Makha, Zagai and Gahrae.

Most of the persons arrested are stated to be Afghans. Officials believed that about 250 suspects had been taking shelter in the area.