19 July 2004	Monday	01 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

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WANA, July 18: One person was killed in a heavy exchange of fire between militants and security forces on Sunday in the Shakai valley of the South Waziristan tribal region.

Residents of Shakai informed this reporter that two armymen also were killed in the intense fighting. But official sources denied any casualties of troops. The dead person was identified as Hazrat Khan. Eye-witnesses claimed that a rocket had hit his house killing him on the spot.

On Saturday night, militants fired rockets on army troops stationed in a school building in Shakai valley. The mid-night rocket attack triggered clashes in the volatile region and heavy exchange of fire between the security forces and the militants was reported on Sunday.

Till filing of this report, the two sides were engaged in the exchange of fire. The locals said militants had fired a volley of rockets from the nearby hilltops at around 2am, which exploded in the surroundings of the Government High School, Shakai.

Army troops and paramilitary forces have occupied the school building since the contingents of the Frontier Corps (FC) entered in the valley which was considered as one of the main hideouts of foreign militants.

The attack prompted the security forces operating in the area and was responded with the artillery from Zarai Noor colony, the Brigade Headquarters near Wana. Witnesses said the exchange of fire was continued between the two sides throughout the day intermittently.

The army troops pounded forest-covered Dand area, north of Shakai. Officials said the authorities had arrested three tribesmen of the Sarkaikhel tribe in Azam Warsak on Sunday under the collective responsibility act of the Frontier Crimes Regulation.

AFP adds: Military spokesman Maj-Gen Shaukat Sultan said militants from their mountainous hideouts fired rockets and mortars at Pakistani troops in Shakai valley. The 'intermittent fire' by militants continued during the day, he said.