September 14, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 13, 1429

KHAR/GHALANAI, Sept 13: Security forces on Saturday claimed killing 30 militants in fierce clashes in Bajaur and Mohmand tribal regions amid reports that 20 civilians were also killed over the past 24 hours.

Political authorities said that six civilians were killed when helicopters hit two pick-up trucks in the Ser Lara area near the Mohmand Agency. Three others were injured in the incident.

According to local residents, militants have moved to safer places. They said all of the people killed in the incident were displaced people who going to Mohmand on foot. Political Tehsildar of the Ambar Valley Ihsanullah Khan confirmed the casualties in Ser Lara.

Some of the deceased were identified as Ghazi, Abdullah, Zermullah, Khanzada Gul, Raj and Mohammad Ali.

Some officials also confirmed that civilians trying to enter the Ambar Valley had been attacked. One of the vehicles was completely destroyed.

People in Ambar Valley said that 18 displaced people were killed in the attack.

Officials said that security forces in Bajaur were being supported by tanks, heavy artillery, Cobra helicopters and air planes.

Security personnel targeted known locations of militants in Lowi Sam, Tang Khata, Rashakai, Banda, Dehrai, Bai Chena, Enzarai and Kirala areas.

Officials claimed that militants had suffered heavy losses and their hideouts were destroyed.

According to an official, at least 30 militants have been killed and 25 others wounded, adding that security forces had repulsed attacks of militants who were wearing Frontier Corps uniforms.

Officials claimed that about 300 militants had been killed in the operation so far, but the figures could not be independently confirmed.

Security forces have yet to flush out militants out from Lowi Sam and Tang Khata while the Rashakai area had not been fully secured.

They said that security forces’ advance towards Lowi Sam had been stalled three days ago because of stiff resistance by militants.

Meanwhile, curfew in different areas of Bajaur has resulted in shortage of food items.

Curfew has been imposed in Haji Lawang, Inayat Kalley, Jar and Qadafi areas.

Reuters adds: On Saturday, security forces captured two militant positions in Bajaur, said military spokesman Maj Murad Khan.

He gave no details about government casualties.