KOHAT, May 28 Security forces arrested eight militants in Shindand and blew up their three hideouts in Jawaki area during a search operation in Frontier Region of Kohat on Thursday.

An explosive-laden vehicle of the security forces caught fire due to heat during the operation, resulting in injuries to an official.

Security forces faced stiff resistance from militants during the cordon and search operation, carried out in the semi-autonomous area of Kohat district. Following reports about entry of militants into the area, operations are being conducted on daily basis to weed them out.

Security forces targeted three hideouts of militants with artillery and destroyed them. They said that militants used the hideouts for training and lodging.

Militants and security forces exchanged heavy fire in the area occupied by Darra Taliban for the last two years. Taliban had enforced their self-style Sharia in the area three months ago and killed pro-government elders there. They had also awarded strict punishments to the local criminals.