KHAR / GHALANAI, Dec 3 Security forces took control of another important town in Bajaur, while 14 militants and seven non-combatants were killed in air strikes in Mohmand Agency on Wednesday.

According to local people, troops backed by tanks and armoured personnel carriers secured Nawagai town, near the Afghan border. People welcomed the troops and hoisted white flags on rooftops.

Militants did not put up resistance and vacated their positions before the troops` arrival.

Security personnel secured the entire town and surrounding hilltops and took positions in sensitive areas.

Officials urged displaced people to return to their homes. According to sources, militants had set up a vast network of tunnels and bunkers, as well as `detention centres`, in the town.

Meanwhile, jets and helicopters hit suspected militants` positions in Ziarat, Ghaziabad, Bagh Pahar and Karier areas of Lakaro subdivision of Mohmand Agency, leaving 14 militants and seven non-combatants dead. Telecommunication lines were also damaged.

Militants, led by Umar Khalid, have strong presence in the areas adjoining Bajaur.

On Tuesday night, security forces pounded militants` positions in Lakaro by artillery. A passer-by was killed by shelling near Ghalanai.

Locals said three members of a family were killed when a shell hit a house on Tuesday.

They said civilian casualties were mounting because of indiscriminate shelling and air strikes.

The situation has led to an exodus from the area.

Elders of Haleemzai tribe handed over seven wanted suspects to the political administration on Wednesday. The three remaining suspects demanded by the authorities would be handed over on Saturday, they assured Political Agent Amjad Ali Khan.