TIMERGARA, Sept 13 A local Taliban commander was killed during a clash with security forces in Shagai area of Maidan on Sunday, locals and official sources said.

They said the militants attacked a security checkpost in Shagai but were repulsed in an exchange of fire that continued for more than an hour.

A local Taliban commander, identified as Gul son of Alaud Din, was killed in the clash while his fighters fled the scene. The security forces recovered a suicide jacket, two rocket shells, an improvised explosive device, a Kalashnikov and huge quantity of ammunition along with a vehicle from the area.

Dir media centre confirmed the report and said that security forces took the body of the Taliban commander in custody. ISPR spokesman Major Ilyas said the militants attempted a suicide attack at the checkpost but were neutralised. The would-be bomber was hit by the security forces just before he blew himself up.

KHAR Three volunteers of Salazai Qaumi Lashkar were injured in a remote-controlled blast, while militants blew up a bridge and a checkpost of Levies in Loe Mamond tehsil of Bajaur tribal region on Sunday.

Residents and officials said that the volunteers were patrolling Lar Ghundai area of Salarzai tehsil when they were hit by an explosive device planted along the road. As a result three of the volunteers were injured.

Militants also blew up a bridge in Kamar area of Loe Mamond tehsil in the small hours of Sunday, disrupting vehicular traffic to several areas.