MIRAMSHAH, Dec 12: Security forces raided houses near the Afghan border in the North Waziristan Agency on Monday, officials said. Army and paramilitary troops cordoned off several mud-houses in Tabai and Saidgai areas, 12km north of Miramshah, on Sunday night.

Sources said that the security forces in collaboration with tribal elders searched residential compounds of two tribesmen — Khanan and Mian Gul. The operation concluded at 1pm and no arrest was made, an official said.

Corps Commander Lt-Gen Hameed Khan visited the headquarters of the region on Monday and discussed the situation with the authorities concerned, the sources said.

Tension gripped Miramshah town after last week’s bloody clashes between local militants called ‘Taliban’ and supporters of an alleged extortionist in the area, which left 23 people dead. —Correspondent