KHAR, Oct 23: After taking control of the strategic town of Lowi Sam, security forces moved towards Tangi and Lowi Jewar, some 22km northwest of Khar, regional headquarters of Bajaur, on Thursday.

The security forces claimed killing 12 militants in fresh action in the Bajaur region.

The troops, backed by helicopter gunships and tanks, destroyed underground bunkers and tunnels with artillery shelling. A huge cache of weapons was seized, officials said.

After digging trenches and setting up bunkers in Lowi Sam, troops started a search and cordon operation to clear the area of mines and militants.

Helicopter gunships and artillery shelling pounded militant positions in Charmang, Cheenar, Kohi, Babra and Hashim Kalley of Nawagaqi subdivision.

During a search operation in Sadiqabad, Tawheedabad, Bilalabad, Serai, Nawy Kalley and Rehmanabad, all in Khar tehsil, the political administration arrested several suspects, including Afghan nationals, for links with the Taliban.

The administration clamped curfew in these areas from 8 am to 5 pm. The Inayat Kelly-Khar road remained closed to traffic.

The political administration also dismantled the house of Taliban commander Musafar Khan in Sadiqabad. The militants fired two rockets on security posts in Sadiqabad.