September 09, 2008	Tuesday	Ramazan 8, 1429

KHAR, Sept 8: Eight people were killed and several others injured when security forces backed by artillery and helicopter gunships pounded militant positions in different areas of Bajaur on Monday.

Local people and officials said army reinforcement had reached Sadiqabad and Anayat Kalkey and curfew for an indefinite period had been imposed in Khar and adjoining areas.

After consolidating their positions in Sadiqabad, Tawheedabad, Rehmanabad, Fajja, Shandi, Khairabad, Bilalabad, Nawi Kalley, Muslimabad and Lashora troops and Khasadar personnel started patrolling the areas.

Three women and two children were killed when a stray mortar shell hit a house in Shago area.

Another shell hit the house of one Haji Dost Mohammad, Afghan minister of Kunar province, killing his brother Fazal Maula and injuring three children.

According to military sources, troops had fired on two suspected motorcyclist, but the shell hit the outer portion of the nearby house.

Security personnel also set on fire the house of Afghan militant leader Saleem Khan.

After setting up checkposts in different areas, ground forces entered Anayat Kelly for the first time since the militants took control of the area and challenged the government writ.

However, markets, schools and government offices remained closed.