KHAR, Oct 11: Ten militants were killed and eight others were injured when tribal volunteers backed by gunship helicopters attacked their hideouts in Charmang area of Bajaur on Saturday.

Separately, militants shot dead four tribal volunteers who had been kidnapped on Thursday. Their bodies were thrown in the Tangi area. Four of them were beheaded on Friday.

Sources said the gruesome beheading of the kidnapped people had sparked clashes between lashkar and militants in Kotki, Nawa and Chinar areas.

Both sides exchanged heavy firing.

Officials said that helicopters backed the lashkar and targeted the positions of militants.

The sources said that hideout of Afghan cleric Qari Ziaur Rehman, who had set up his group in the area, also came under air strike.

Militants set on fire the house of a pro-government elder Shah Wali in Kotki.

The lashkar of Mamond tribe burnt the house of Maulvi Ismail, a militant commander in Damadola.Meanwhile, more troops accompanied by tanks and artillery have reached the troubled region.

The sources said that heavy deployment was under way and forces were consolidating their positions in hostile areas.

Despite excessive use of force and air support, forces have yet to secure key locations like Lowi Sam and its adjacent area.