KOHAT, Dec 27 Security forces killed a local commander of banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan during exchange of fire in Kharmatu area of Kohat district on Sunday night.

Sources said that the commander, identified as Shamsur Rehman, was killed but a suicide bomber, who was accompanying him, managed to escape and disappear in the densely populated area. Security forces cordoned off the entire area and launched a large-scale search operation.

Kohat Commissioner Khalid Umerzai told Dawn that all-out efforts were being made to arrest the suicide bomber, ostensibly tasked to target the mourners' procession of 10th Muharram.

MINGORA A 10-hour unannounced curfew was imposed in different parts of Mingora city in Swat district on Sunday morning, residents said.

Security forces also sealed the entry and exit points of the city, while the GT Road and the general bus stand were also closed, restricting movement of people. The blockade of roads also caused traffic jam outside the city.

Sources said that the administration imposed curfew in Amankot, Mohallah Zahidabad, Naway Kallay, Usmanabad, Banr, Airport Road, Takhta Band Road from 6am to 4pm.

Meanwhile, security forces recovered a suicide vest, remote controlled bombs and other weapons from a hideout in Saidu Sharif on Sunday.

Security forces launched a house-to-house search in Mingora city, arresting over 40 suspected persons, some among them Afghans, besides recovering a huge cache of weapons.

Sources said that nine more militants laid down arms and surrendered to security forces in Waliabad, Charbagh, Devlai and parts of Buner district.