September 22, 2008	Monday	Ramazan 21, 1429

KHAR, Sept 21: Ten militants were reported killed in clashes with security forces in Bajaur on Sunday.

Sources said that troops had bombed the residence of Wali Rehman, the local chief of Jaish-e-Islami, in Airrab area on Saturday night.

Local people said that security forces repulsed an attack by militants in Siddiqabad after a fierce clash.

Witnesses said that the militants suffered casualties and five bodies were lying in the fields.

Security forces also targeted militants’ positions in Sewai, Damadola, Bai Chena, Tang Khatta and Rashakai on Saturday night.

In Khar, the administrative headquarters of the Bajaur Agency, the situation was quiet but tense.

Meanwhile, a jirga of the Salarzai tribe held in Lati, some 60 km from Khar, announced complete support for the military operation and declared that the area would be cleared of militants and outlaws. It decided to take effective action against elements who attacked government installations.

It decided that people providing shelter to militants would be fined Rs2 million and their houses would be demolished.