GHALANAI: Security forces backed by tanks, helicopters and artillery launched an offensive against militants in the Mohmand tribal region on Saturday and imposed curfew in several areas, officials said.

The Frontier Corps said in a brief statement issued in Peshawar that 26 militants were killed during a successful action in the Sapri area. No details about casualties were provided. 

According to the statement, several areas were secured in the action. Other sources said that one security man was killed and five others were wounded in a gunbattle.

However, it was not confirmed by official sources. Heavy artillery shelling was continuing in the area till late into night. 

The sources said that curfew was imposed in different areas of the Yakaghund subdivision and the main road was closed.

Witnesses said that the gunbattle erupted when the security personnel came across militants during a search operation in the Banglo area early on Saturday. 

The troops demolished the house of a suspect identified as Faraz. Houses of three suspects were also demolished. 

Two helicopter gunships were engaged in the operation. A tank plunged into a deep trench leaving two troops injured.

Meanwhile, Political Agent Amjad Ali Khan said that at least 750 men would be recruited in the Levies force in the area. He said there were plans to raise three wings of the force in Mohmand.