LANDI KOTAL: Twelve suspected militants were killed and three of their bases destroyed as security forces pressed ahead on the second day of an intelligence-driven military operation in Bara on Friday.

Official sources said that 10 militants belonging to the banned Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) group were killed in clashes in Akkakhel area of Tirah. Scores of militants suffered injuries.

Security forces took control of three bunkers, known in the area as Sarhadi Morcha, Shah Kot Morcha and Munday Morcha.

According to sources, at least 30 LI leaders have surrendered to security forces over the past two days.

Two LI men died during clashes in Meel Wat area. Security forces destroyed Haji Mehmud base, `commander’ Saeed base and Chaman school base in Sipah, Meel Wat and Akkakhel areas.

The sources said that the LI militants had set up `jails’ at these bases where they kept their opponents and people kidnapped for ransom.

A non-combatant was caught in crossfire between troops and militants in Karawal locality and killed.

SOLDIER KILLED: Officials in Bara said that a sepoy of 40 Punjab Regiment was killed and another critically injured when their vehicle came under fire by militants in Akkakhel.

The killed soldier was identified as Sabir and the injured as Mustafa.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2014