KHAR, Oct 9: Army helicopters targeted two vehicles and a marble factory in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur tribal region on Thursday but no casualty was reported, said an official.

Assistant Political Agent Mohammad Jamil told Dawn that some militants were travelling in two vehicles in Omari area of Mamond tehsil when they were spotted by the Cobra helicopters.

He said that suspected persons left their vehicles and fled towards a marble factory. The vehicles and the factory were targeted from the choppers. He said that the vehicles were completely destroyed.

“There are reports that militants were inside the factory but no casualty has been reported so far,” said Mr Jamil. He said that militants were using the factory as hideout. Clashes between lashkar of Mamond tribe and Taliban militants have been reported from Badano area. Sources said that gun battle took place on Wednesday night and both sides used heavy weapons.

The sources said that militants had also set up checkposts at various locations in Badano and were looking for the inhabitants of Salarzai tribe. Volunteers of Salarzai tribe had raised a lashkar and destroyed the houses and hideouts of militants.