KOHAT, Sept 5: Security forces launched a fresh offensive against militants in Sheraki area of Darra Adamkhel on Friday evening.

The houses of local tribesmen and people living near the Kohat tunnel were jolted by heavy artillery firing at the hideouts of the militants surrounded in the northern side of the Kohat Friendship Tunnel. Security forces had moved tanks and huge guns from the Gunner Lane to the tunnel on Friday afternoon and started pounding the hills and houses in the southern parts of the frontier region of Kohat.

Meanwhile, heavily armed Taliban continued patrolling Darra bazaars in a black car playing recorded religious slogans aloud creating fear among the tribesmen. The militants reportedly claimed that they were providing security to government buildings in the area which were looted earlier.

Some tribal leaders and officials expressed anger over the security forces which reportedly did not take any action against the militants who openly patrolled in the bazaars and roads without any fear.

They claimed that a single shot from a gunship helicopter could have destroyed the militant vehicle. It seemed, they alleged, the security forces were patronizing a particular group of militants and they both played hide and seek game to prolong the sufferings of the local people.

CEASEFIRE OFFER: Earlier, the local Taliban had said that they would declare ceasefire and ensure security on roads in Darra Adamkhel if the authorities released their 67 associates.