August 20, 2008	Wednesday	Sha’aban 17, 1429

KHAR, Aug 19: Twenty-five militants and five soldiers were killed in clashes following a Taliban attack on a scouts’ camp in the Bajaur tribal region. Three civilians were killed in air strikes, sources said on Tuesday.

The Taliban, meanwhile, handed over to a jirga bodies of 12 soldiers killed during in clashes in Lowi Sam area about 11 days ago.

Officials said that the bodies had been handed over to the jirga headed by tribal elder Rahat Yousaf.

Assistant political agent Mohammad Jamil said that militants attacked the Bajaur Scouts camp in Nawagai area at about 11pm on Monday and heavy exchanges of fire continued till 4am on Tuesday.

He said that 15 militants had been killed while five soldiers had lost their lives. Three soldiers were injured.

However, local people said that 25 militants had been killed.

The sources said that help was sought from the Mohmand Scouts who used heavy artillery from the Mamad Gutt camp near Nawagai. Security forces blocked roads and disconnected telephone lines in the area.

The militants attacked security forces in Inayet Kali, but there was no casualty.

Helicopters continued to attack militants’ positions in different parts of the region. Witnesses said that three villagers were killed in the air attacks.

The helicopters also hit the house of Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar in Mamond area. The house was destroyed but there was no report of any casualty.

Fouzee Khan Mohmand contributed to this report from Ghalanai.