KHAR, Aug 16: As security forces continued to hunt militants in the Bajaur tribal region on Saturday, political authorities asked the displaced people to return to their homes in Khar.

Sources said that 12 militants were killed and five others injured when helicopter gunships pounded their hideouts in Khar, Mamond, Nawagai, Jaar, Mulla Kali, Raghgan and Haji Lawang.

A mosque was hit in Dabar area. About 25 people were in the mosque at the time of the attack. The number of casualties could not be ascertained.

Helicopters fired on a group of militants who tried to attack a security post of the scouts in Mulla Kali. Cobra helicopters continued shelling through-out the day and paramilitary forces used heavy artillery and mortars.

Meanwhile, exodus continued from different parts of the region on Saturday and a large number of families moved to Dir and Peshawar.

According to reports, about 100,000 people have fled clashes between security forces and militants in the area so far.

Local people said the administration had asked residents of Khar to return to their homes and resume their business.The announcement, made through loudspeakers, said that if people did not return to their homes, militants might use their vacant houses for shelter and the security forces would dismantle suspected sites.

Witnesses said that some displaced families returned after the announcement. Khar, the regional headquarters and main trade centre, has turned into a ‘ghost town’ since the operation started on Wednesday.