September 23, 2008	Tuesday	Ramazan 22, 1429

KHAR, Sept 22: A senior official claimed on Monday that security forces had unearthed a network of tunnels and bunkers in the strongholds of militants in the Bajaur tribal region. He also said that six militants had been killed and eight injured in artillery attacks in Mamond Tehsil on Sunday night.

Muhammad Jamil, assistant political agent, told journalists that ground forces had started moving towards Lowi Sam, some 14 kilometres northwest of Khar.

He said that troops, backed by artillery and tanks, were advancing slowly because the militants were well entrenched and had planted bombs on roads.

The official said that the tunnels and bunkers had been found in Tang Khatta, Rashakai, Kausar and Khazana areas of the Khar tehsil.

“These tunnels were interconnected with houses enabling militants to move easily from one position to another.” Mr Jamil also said that the militants were using hit and run tactics.

Meanwhile, the Mamond tribe was reported on Monday to be planning to organise a lashkar against militants.

Earlier, the Salarzai tribe had organised a lashkar which destroyed houses of the militants’ supporters in the area. Local people said that the lashkar set on fire more houses of pro-Taliban elements on Monday.