September 20, 2008	Saturday	Ramazan 19, 1429

KHAR, Sept 19: Planes and helicopters bombed militants’ hideouts in Damadola and ground forces arrested 12 suspects in Lowi Sam area of Bajaur Agency on Friday.

Official sources said eight militants were killed and eight others wounded in clashes with troops in Tang Khatta, Lowi Sam and Rashakai on Thursday night.

Helicopters flew over the area on Friday morning and afternoon but did not carry out any attack.

In the evening, positions of militants were attacked in Damadola and a pall of thick smoke billowed from the area.

According to the sources, security forces repulsed a militant attack in Lowi Sam. At least 12 people were arrested and heavy weapons and ammunition were seized.

Meanwhile, the curfew in force for two weeks said disrupted supplies and caused an acute shortage of foodstuff in the region.