September 26, 2008	Friday	Ramazan 25, 1429

KHAR, Sept 25: Security forces, backed by helicopter gunships, pounded Taliban’s positions in several areas of the Bajaur tribal region on Thursday and, according to officials, 10 militants were killed in a gunbattle.

Troops attacked militants’ hideouts in Lowi Sam, Rashakai and Damadola areas on Wednesday and Thursday. Residential areas also came under attack, but no casualty was reported.

Sources said that troops were trying to take control of Rashakai and Lowi Sam but were facing stiff resistance.

The bombing caused widespread damage in Lowi Sam and Rashakai, but could not dislodge the militants from their positions.

Meanwhile, 234 families moved out of the battle-torn areas on Thursday.

A jirga of the Utmankhel tribe was held in Khar on Thursday and elders urged the government to take stern action against Taliban. They also asked the government to continue the military operation till the elimination of all militants.

A lashkar of the Salarzai tribe, meanwhile, torched 18 houses of Taliban militants and their supporters. Tribal volunteers also captured some suspected militants and handed them over to the local authorities.

AFP adds: At least 16 Al Qaeda-linked militants and two civilians were killed after helicopter gunships shelled rebel hideouts in a tribal region near the Afghan border, officials said.