September 18, 2008	Thursday	Ramazan 17, 1429

KHAR, Sept 17: Security forces in Bajaur Agency were reinforced on Wednesday, triggering speculations that a massive ground offensive against militants was under way.

During the movement of the troops in the area, a curfew was imposed in Khar, the regional headquarters of the agency.

Heavy bombardment by planes and shelling by helicopters rocked the area and an official said that militants were offering tough resistance.

He claimed that 19 suspected militants had been killed and 25 others injured.

Local people said the air strikes started at about 8am and continued till 4.30pm and suspected militants’ positions in Lowi Sam, Tang Khatta, Bai Chena, Kausar, Terkai and adjoining areas were attacked.

Sources said militants had built huge bunkers from where they were attacking security forces.

A number of people have shifted their children to Peshawar and other areas. The area is without electricity and there is an acute shortage of foodstuff.

A security official told journalists that the forces would move towards Lowi Sam, a major stronghold of the militants, after destroying their positions in Tang Khatta, Rashakai and Kausar.

He said the forces had destroyed the command and control system of the militants and broken their main network. However, a ragtag militia was still offering resistance.