October 15, 2008	Wednesday	Shawwal 15, 1429

KHAR, Oct 14: Twelve suspected militants were killed when security forces, backed by helicopter gunships and planes attacked Taliban bunkers in Charmang and Rashakai areas of Bajaur region on Tuesday.

Sources said that troops pounded the villages of Chinar, Kotki, Babra and Tangi in Nawagai tehsil with artillery on Monday night and Tuesday.

There was a heavy exchange of fire in Rashakai, 10 kilometres from the regional headquarters of Khar, on Tuesday. The troops are facing stiff resistance from the Taliban in the area.

Planes bombed areas under militants’ control early in the morning and in the evening and officials claimed inflicting heavy casualties on the Taliban.

Security forces also claimed that 12 militants had been killed and several injured in clashes, adding that the death doll might rise after reports were received from far-flung areas.

On Monday night, a clash took place between a tribal lashkar and Taliban militants in Charmang are near the Afghan border. One militant and a member of the lashkar were killed.

According to official sources, a large number of Afghans and militants from Waziristan are involved in the fighting. They said that most of the militants fighting with security forces in Charmang and Lowi Sam areas were outsiders.

People have started moving out of Charmang because of the surge in clashes.Meanwhile, the political administration has launched a crackdown on people suspected of having links with Taliban militants in Mamond and Khar.

The officials claimed that 85 suspects had so far been arrested.