September 21, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 20, 1429

KHAR, Sept 20: Thirteen people have been killed and 16 others injured as military operations continue in the Bajaur agency.

Official sources said on Saturday that tanks, armoured personnel carriers and artillery pieces were used as militants’ positions were pounded in several parts of Khar and Mamond tehsils.

In the Tani area of Mamond tehsil an artillery shell hit a car going from Khar to Inayet Kali on Friday night, killing five people.

Eight other people were killed in other areas of the troubled region. Jet fighters also bombed suspected hideouts of militants.

The sources said that ground forces backed by tanks moved into the Lowi Sam area and started consolidating positions in Tangi, Charmang and Lowi Jore.

Several residential compounds also came under fire. However, the forces had yet to take control of the Lowi Sam, a stronghold of militants, the sources said, adding that clashes between forces and militants had been reported.

The sources said the security forces would set up permanent checkposts in Khar and surrounding areas soon and a survey had been completed in this regard.