GHALANAI, Nov 16: Four people were killed and several others injured in clashes between security forces and militants in Mohmand region and adjoining Shabqader subdivision of Charsadda district on Sunday.

Security forces backed by tanks have taken control of Juma Khan Korona near Mohmand and started moving to Shena Ghundai, a stronghold of Taliban.

Some areas in Mohmand and parts of Charsadda and Peshawar districts remain under curfew and a large number of people have been displaced. Security forces launched the operation in the area on Wednesday.

Local journalists accused security forces of firing on them in Shabqadar town when they were interviewing some displaced people. They appealed to the government to provide protection to them.

Sources said that helicopter gunships attacked militants’ positions in Lakaro sub-division of Mohmand. Several houses of civilians were also hit, leaving three people dead.

Local people said that troops had closed main roads, stopping the displaced people from moving to other places.

Faiz Muhammad Khan adds from Charsadda: Helicopter gunships hit Taliban positions in Khalilabad, Shena Ghundai and Aqrababad villages of Shabqadar on Sunday.

Four people were injured in an exchange of fire between security forces and the militants.

Sources said that troops had destroyed a detention centre of the Taliban in Shena Ghundai, a cluster of 10 small villages. They said that the militants stored ammunition in the detention centre situated in a residential area. Local people said that a woman was killed and four houses were destroyed when troops hit the centre with artillery.

Houses of four militants and a private school were also destroyed.

The sources said that army troops and paramilitary forces were consolidating their positions in Juma Khan Korona and Shena Ghundai areas.

An artillery shell hit a house in Mian village, injuring Afzal Khan, his son and wife. Security forces have arrested a number of suspects.