Two military helicopters conducted several sorties at Lakka Sar and Ghunda Khel locality of Loe Shalman for nearly two hours.

LANDI KOTAL Gunship helicopters bombed suspected militant positions in Loe Shalman area on Monday, officials said.

Two military helicopters conducted several sorties at Lakka Sar and Ghunda Khel locality of Loe Shalman for nearly two hours.

Officials said that the bombing of these areas was carried out after intelligence reports about militants` concentration in the area.

The affected area lies on the border with Momand Agency where security forces are engaged in a fierce military operation against Taliban militants. Officials said they believe that a number of Momand Taliban had taken shelter in Loe Shalman after being driven out of their hideouts in Momand Agency due to the ongoing military operation in their respective area.

There were no reports of any casualties due to the helicopter bombardment in Loe Shalman.

Local administration closed the Landi Kotal-Loe Shalman, Landi Kotal-Kum Shalman roads and all educational institutions in Loe Shalman during the bombardment of militant hideouts by the gunship helicopters.

Officials said that while roads were opened later in the afternoon, schools would be opened on Tuesday.

In Jamrud tehsil, security forces arrested two suspect militants and impounded an unregistered vehicle during a search operation in Shahkas locality. The arrested men were lodged at Jamrud lock up for detailed investigations.

Power restored

Tribal Areas Electric Supply Corporation on Monday restored power supply to Landi Kotal and adjoining area after its suspension for more then fifty hours.

Power supply to the area was disrupted after miscreants blew up a pylon in Swabi two days back. Electricity disconnection caused severe shortage of portable water along side confronting the local residents with other electricity related problems.

Though the residents are still experiencing almost eighteen hours of unannounced load shedding, TESCO officials were able to make alternate arrangements to restore the power supply in Landi Kotal in order to over come the shortage of water.