ISLAMABAD August 29: Skirmishes among afghan based militants, local militia and security forces continue to escalate death toll to 81 on forth day of cross border clashes in Bajaur, FRC learnt.
Sixty militants, twelve members of the Salarzai Qaumi Lashkar and nine security personnel have been killed so far while the life and property of more than hundred families came under risk due to continued-clashes, local and official sources said on Monday.
Sources said that militants based in Kunar province of Afghanistan’s had entered into the Pakistani area and attacked the border villages in Batwar of the Salarzai tribe on Saturday morning.
Tahrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed that a large number Taliban had gained control over most of the areas in Batwar, Tendohda and Kambalay villages.
TTP claim has not been confirmed officially so far.
Local sources said that militants had positioned in the hilly areas and firing on the security forces with heavy weapons while security forces and members of Salarzai Qaumi Lashkar also targeting the militants.
Sources added that civilians have become hostages in their houses. Some civilians including four women have also reportedly been killed in the clashes.
“Hundreds of volunteers and personnel of the security forces that were alert for the quick response have retaliated with heavy gun fire on the posts of the militants”, an official of the local administration told the reporter.
Meanwhile dozens of local residents have vacated their homes and shifted in to the safe area of the region.
Militants had been pushed backed from these areas in 2008 and 2009 through military operations and these militants were then settled in Kunar and Noristan areas of Afghanistan.
Recently, attacks in Pakistani areas from cross border have increased. Current attacks occurred in occasion when Mula Dadullah PTT commander was reportedly killed in an air strike by NATO forces in Afghanistan on Friday.
Anwarullah Khan, FRC Field Reporter contributed from Bajaur Agency
