Troops stand guard in market of the troubled town of Upper Dir.—Photo by AP.

TIMERGARA Continuing their operation in Maidan tehsil of Lower Dir, security forces claimed on Tuesday to have killed 12 militants, including two ringleaders — Qari Hakimullah and Sher Khan.

According to official sources, troops have taken control of militants' strongholds in Takatak, Undak, Misri Khani, Safaray and Kala Dag.

Army officers told local journalists who visited the violence-hit areas of Maidan that 80 per cent of the tehsil had been cleared of militants. More than 100 militants were killed over the past two days.

They said militants had taken positions in Takatak, Undak, Misri Khani, Sangolai, Safaray and Sher Khani.

'We had information that militants were regrouping in these areas. An operation was conducted and the areas were cleared,' an officer said.
 
He dismissed as disinformation reports that militants were still in control of some parts of Maidan.

He said displaced people of Hayaserai were returning to their homes and cooperating with security personnel.

Arms and ammunition seized from militants in Adenzai and Maidan were displayed at the army's Dir media centre.