Provinces

Taliban refuse to release Greek captive

Taliban refuse to release Greek captive

DAGGAR: The military pounded Taliban positions on the fourth consecutive day of its air and ground assault in Buner, 60 miles from Islamabad.

Addressing a press briefing on Friday, Major General Athar Abbas said 55-60 militants including some foreigners were killed in fighting in Buner over the last 24 hours, raising the death toll of militants to more than 170 in the region since Sunday.

Eight to 10 militants were killed in the Shabdara attack, he said, adding that Buner's militant casualties also included foreigners.

He said Daggar has been cleared of militants and a military check post was also set-up in the area, adding that efforts were underway to clear the Daggar-Ambela road.

However, militants still have not vacated north of Ambela as security forces were facing stiff resistance in the area, Abbas said.
 
A suicide attacker was also arrested from the area, he said.

Local residents in Buner said Friday that the fighting was heavy.

On Thursday, security forces killed 14 militants in Buner and gained control over the Ambela heights after overcoming tough resistance and secured about half of the 8kms-long Ambela pass after clearing three militant positions.

The military spokesman said the operation was making good progress and militants’ hideouts were being attacked with all available resources.

Abbas said situation was normalising in Lower Dir where a curfew was also relaxed on Friday.

Locals were also fighting against militants in the district where two security personnel were killed and two others were wounded during the operation, Abbas said.

Suicide vehicles were also destroyed during the Lower Dir operation, he said.

Militants had also set up checkposts in parts of Swat in violation of the peace pact, prompting speculation that the offensive could be extended to the valley, Abbas said on Friday.

On Thursday, Pakistani artillery targeted hideouts in Maidan and Chakdara villages in Lower Dir.

Troops had started patrolling areas in Lower Dir district and destroyed four vehicles used by militants near Kambar bazaar and Lal Qila.

During Thursday’s press briefing, Abbas said Pakistan had sought combat helicopters, modern surveillance devices, communication equipment and night-vision devices from the United States and the United Kingdom to strengthen its capability to fight terror. ‘Supply of the equipment will serve as a force multiplier.’