40 militants killed in Kurram clashes

PARACHINAR: At least 40 militants were killed during a clash with security forces in Kurram Agency on Thursday, official and tribal sources said. Sources said that a fierce clash took place between militants and security forces in the Manato area of Kurram Agency, leaving 40 militants dead and three soldiers injured.

Security forces backed by tanks and gunship helicopters made advances in Karawat, Dumbaki, Khalwat and Badama areas, sources said, adding that the forces faced stiff resistance in the Murghan, Manato and Pongey areas.

Meanwhile, people from Suparkeet, Dumbaki, Karawat, Changi Banda, Zangikhel, Khalwat Killay, Strob Killay and Dhand in central tehsil of Kurram Agency have left their homes for safer places. The displaced people arrived in Tora Warai, Doaba, Naryab, Darsamand, Siyalo Talab and Jadeed Banda areas in Hangu district.

Officials said about 517 families had been registered at the Durrani camp in Sadda. Reports suggested that a total of 5,000 families have already migrated from the affected areas.

Meanwhile, Rudi, a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, visited Durrani camp and assured IDPs and officials of the camp that he would communicate with his high-ups about the solution to their problems.

Federal Disaster Management Authority Manager, Ziaur Rehman, told reporters that all displaced people would be accommodated in tents and their problems would be addressed on a priority basis.