8 militants killed in Khyber Agency

Forces hand Bara Bazaar over
to civil administration after clearance

BARA: At least 8 militants were killed when jetfighters hit hideouts in Tirah valley in Khyber Agency near Pak-Afghan border, official sources said on Tuesday.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) through a statement said that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets pounded the sanctuaries of militant belonging to the Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Kukikhel area in Tirah valley.

They said at least eight militants were killed and two hideouts were also destroyed in the attack.Meanwhile, the security forces handed back Bara Bazaar to the civil administration after the clearing the area of militants.

Officials said the traders and shopkeepers could now reopen their businesses in Bara Bazaar. He further added that majority of internally displaced persons from Khyber Agency particularly belonging to the Bara tehsil had also returned to their homes except Sipah tribe.

The Bara Bazaar was closed down six years ago when the security forces launched operations against the militants. Also, 11 militants surrendered to the security forces and political administration belonging to the Sipah tribe in Bara tehsil.The sources said three militants surrendered to the security forces on Monday while eight more militants laid down arms and surrendered to the political administration on Tuesday.