KHAR, Aug 28: Eleven militants of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, three security personnel and a member of Salarzai Qaumi Lashkar were killed and several others injured as fighting intensified in Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur tribal region on Tuesday.

Sources said that fierce clashes between security forces and Taliban have taken place in several areas of Salarzai tehsil in which both sides used heavy weapons.

According to a TTP spokesman, 15 security personnel were killed in the fighting, but official sources rejected the Taliban claim.

“The fresh fighting which started on Monday night continued till Tuesday evening was one of the heaviest between security forces and insurgents since clashes started in the area,” a local resident said.

Officials of the local administration said that the security forces and volunteers backed by artillery and helicopter gunships attacked Taliban positions in mountainous areas along the border region and at least 11 insurgents were killed and several others wounded.

“We have also lost a member of the peace committee. Five security personnel and four volunteers suffered injuries,” the official said.

He said that helicopter gunships pounded insurgents’ hideouts in hilly areas and destroyed some of them.

The official claimed that the forces had taken control of several key positions in the Ghatki area.

Dozens of families were still trapped in the conflict zone.

Meanwhile, Taliban’s Malakand Division spokesman Sirajuddin told newsmen by phone that the militants would continue to fight Pakistani forces and their supporters in the agency. He claimed important areas in the region were still under Taliban control.