GHALANAI, March 9: Security forces backed by helicopter gunships pounded suspected militant positions in Mohmand Agency on Sunday, killing one person and wounding two women and four children.

Officials said the action followed a militant attack on Khasadar posts early in the morning in Lakaro, 24km north of Ghalanai. There was a heavy exchange of fire and security forces sought the help of helicopter gunships.

The helicopters bombed suspected hideouts and paramilitary forces shelled the area from their bases in Yousaf Khel and Mamad Gat. A villager, Dawai Khan, was killed. Two women and four children were injured when a mortar shell hit their house.

A checkpoint of paramilitary forces in Darwazgai was also attacked but no casualty was reported.

Traffic on the Bajaur-Peshawar road remained suspended.

Inter-Services Public Relations said security forces did not suffer any casualty.

Four Khasadar checkpoints were blown up by militants in Targhakhai, Kotagai, Jansher and Watki Kandao on Saturday night, Pindiali Naib Political Tehsildar Miraj Khan told Dawn.