DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Three security personnel, five militants and four civilians were killed in a clash and shellings in the tribal regions of South and North Waziristan on Wednesday.

Intelligence and Taliban sources confirmed that three security personnel were killed when heavily armed militants attacked a security checkpost in Mashpangai area of tehsil Shakai. The area is near North Waziristan border in the west and Afghan border in the north.

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Five militants were killed when security forces returned fire, intelligence sources claimed.

The exchange of fire which started at 8am continued till late night. Security officials denied Taliban claims to have gained control of the checkpost.

Mehsud Taliban spokesman Azam Tariq claimed that the bodies of the three security personnel killed in the clash were in their custody. Talking to Dawn from an unspecified place, he said that only one Talib, identified as Abid, had been injured in the attack.

Security forces shelled militant hideouts in Mashpangai with canons and mortars.

According to sources, the wife and three children of Gul Toor Saidgai were killed when a stray shell hit his house in Dabbar area of North Waziristan.

Security forces are advancing in far-flung areas of South Waziristan. They have taken control of most of the strongholds of Taliban in the areas. The sources said security personnel were facing resistance in some areas under the control of Mehsud Taliban and sporadic incidents of attacks and exchange of fire were taking place.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2015

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