November 17, 2008	Monday	Ziqa'ad 18, 1429

KHAR, Nov 16: Ten militants and two tribal elders were killed in clashes in Gutkai and Bandarae areas of Bajuar and six militants and two civilians were killed by security forces’ shelling in Mamond and Nawagai tehsils on Sunday.

According to local people, a lashkar of the Oriazai clan killed 10 militants and lost its chief Malik Fazal Mabud and important tribal leader Malik Jamdar Khan in gunbattles in Gutkai and Bandarae.

Both sides took positions on elevations and used heavy weaponry.

TTP spokesman Maulvi Umer claimed that none of his men had been killed and said they his fighters had captured 25 members of the lashkar.

He said that during a jirga they had agreed to leave that area. But some members of the lashkar, he said, had misbehaved with Taliban supporters and that resulted in the clashes.

Local people said the clashes began after the lashkar set on fire houses of some militants.

It is learnt that the exchange of fire had stopped in the evening.

Meanwhile, security forces backed by artillery and helicopter gunships continued attacks on suspected militant positions in Mamond and Nawagai tehsils.

It is learnt that at least six militants were killed in helicopter attacks in the Tanai area of Mamond tehsil.

In Umrai area, a mortar shell hit a vehicle killing two civilians.