PARACHINAR, Aug 16: Army and paramilitary forces continued their deployment in the White Mountain (Spin Ghar) along the Pakistan-Afghan border to fend off any infiltration by Taliban and their Al Qaeda associates from the neighboring Tora Bora mountain range.

A security official said that Pakistan has deployed an additional force of about two platoons east of Parachinar, regional headquarters of Kurram tribal region, to check any infiltration from neighbouring Afghanistan.

The official said that the new deployment had been made in view of the ongoing operation by US-led Nato and Afghan forces to flush out Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters, believed to be hiding in Tora Bora region.

He said that so far the Pakistani forces deployed along the mountain range had not seen any infiltration and that the deployment of troops would continue for as long as it was required.

AFP adds: US and Afghan troops pressed an air and ground assault on Thursday against Al Qaeda militants grouped in the Tora Bora mountains. Up to 250 families had fled the area near the Pakistan border as the attack pushed into a fourth day, Afghan officials said. Afghan media reports said some 50 Taliban had been killed but Mohammad Ali, governor of Nangarhar’s Pachir Wa Agam district, said: “These are only rumours at this stage.”

The coalition forces launched the latest attacks after a surge in attacks on foreign forces in Nangrahar province and Kabul.

Media reports quoting locals residents around Tora Bora had reported the re-emergence of Taliban and foreign fighters in the region.

Nato planes also violated Pakistan air space in the region.

Military spokesman General Waheed Arshad told AFP that extra forces were deployed to the area facing Tora Bora because “we do not want any militants to cross over to our side.”