PESHAWAR, Aug 23: The paramilitary forces launched an operation against alleged outlaws, carjackers and kidnappers in the tribal area of tehsil Bara and the adjoining areas of Khyber Agency on Friday.

The agency’s political muharer told Dawn by telephone that some 50 houses and hideouts of outlaws were completely demolished in the suburbs of tehsil Bara as the operation was in progress till the filing this report.

The official confirmed that seven alleged outlaws were also arrested and handed over to the capital city police for interrogation. Three arrested persons have been identified as Painda Mohammad Shinwari, Deedan Malikdinkhel and Mehar Gul Shalober. However, the names of the other accused could not be ascertained.

Heavy contingents of Frontier Constabulary, Frontier Corps, police and Khasadar Force, backed by armed personnel carriers (APCs) and bulldozers are taking part in the operation. Artillery have been moved into the area.

The paramilitary troops besieged tehsil Bara and cordoned off all routes, leading towards Bara Qadeem.

A source said the law enforcement agencies laid a siege to the village of two abductors Azet Gul and Saher Gul in tehsil Bara on Thursday morning. The political authorities engaged a tribal jirga to hand over the accused to the administration within 24 hours. The two accused are wanted by the police in a number of cases of abduction and carlifting.

The source, quoting local villagers, said the accused along with 19 accomplices broke the siege in the evening and escaped to inaccessible Terah Valley, lies along the border with Afghanistan. The paramilitary forces rushed to the village and bulldozed the houses of the outlaws.