Veiled women sit on the rubble of a blown up structure in the troubled region. - AP/File photo

BUNER Militants blew up several government buildings and schools in Buner district while security forces expanded their operation on Monday after securing Ambela.

People in the area are in panic and fleeing their homes. Hospitals are running short of essential drugs.

Militants are still controlling key positions along the main highway from Daggar to Pir Baba and the Gokand valley.

Reports reaching here said that higher secondary schools for girls and boys, tehsil administration buildings and a police station at Gagra were destroyed.

Sources said troops had moved from Daggar, the headquarters of Buner district, towards the Gagra subdivision, but were facing stiff resistance.

Fierce clashes have been reported from Kalpani, Tangoo Bridge and Dewana Baba. Local people said that troops backed by tanks faced resistance near the Kalpani village.

The sources said that after taking control of Gagra, troops would move towards the Gokand valley, considered a militant stronghold.