LANDI KOTAL: Eleven suspected militants were killed and five of their hideouts destroyed in air strikes in Tirah valley on Friday.

Official sources said that eight militants belonging to the Tariq Afridi group of the Taliban were killed when military planes bombed their hideouts in Tor Darra, Sur Kas, Sra Vela and Wacho Wany areas of Kukikhel.

Three activists of the banned Lashkar-i-Islam militant group died in similar attacks in Naakai area of Malikdin Khel and Gaary area of Qambar Khel. Five hideouts were destroyed.

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A civilian was killed in Dro Adda area of Akkakhel when security forces opened fire over violation of curfew.

Meanwhile, security forces put on fire some houses of militants affiliated with the Lashkar-i-Islam group. An unspecified number of civilians, including three teenagers, were released by security forces after questioning.

Published in Dawn, November 29th , 2014