MOHMAND AGENCY/ISLAMABAD - Eight personnel of security forces lost their lives and several others injured in two different incidents of terrorism in the areas of Mohmand Agency and Landi Kotal on Saturday.
At least six security personnel were martyred when their vehicle was targeted with an improvised explosive device in Tehsil Pandyali area of Mohmand Agency.
Local sources said the attack was carried out when a vehicle of security forces was on its routine patrolling in the area. Soon after the incident, a heavy contingent of security personnel rushed to the site and cordoned off the area. The injured personnel were shifted to Combined Military Hospital in Peshawar where they were provided medical treatment. After the attack, the authorities concerned declared red alert and imposed curfew in the area.
The attack could have been a reaction of the recent military action in North Waziristan Agency. The militants had issued statements to retaliate if the government continued its military operation against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.
Meanwhile, two army soldiers died in an attack by terrorists on a checkpost in Landi Kotal, and in retaliation security forces killed a terrorist.
In another incident, militants blew up a government primary school, damaging two compartments of the school in Pandyali area. At least 126 schools have so far been damaged in the agency.
Meanwhile, another remote-controlled device was exploded near the residence of peace committee member Alam Sher. The blast partially damaged the house; however no loss of life was reported in the blast.
AFP adds: There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
“It was an IED blast. A total of six security personnel embraced Shahadat (Martyrdom),” an official told AFP, adding that four troops had died immediately and two later in hospital.
Peace talks between TTP and the government began in February but have made little progress. A month-long ceasefire between Pakistan and the Taliban expired last month.
CAMPS SET UP FOR IDPS IN BANNU
Staff Reporter adds from North Waziristan Agency: After the initial round of military action in North Waziristan Agency, curfew has been relaxed in Miranshah area and special camps have been set up in Bannu Baka Khail area to accommodate the migrating families of militancy-hit areas.
Local sources said the curfew was relaxed on Saturday for 11 hours from 8:00am till 7:00pm. The relaxation was aimed at facilitating the people to purchase daily edibles and vacate their houses if they wanted to do so. However, the people were reluctant to vacate the area without any official announcement as far military operation is concerned.
The authorities concerned have started setting up camps for the internally displaced persons in Bakar Khail area while some of the affected families have migrated to Afghanistan.
On the fourth day of the military operation, no strike was carried out in the agency, as the security forces are strengthening their advance and starting search operation in the area.