| Submit your comments on this article | |
| India-Pakistan | |
| Taliban attack forces, former minister's home | |
| 2008-08-14 | |
| A clash between the Taliban and security forces on Wednesday left a security personnel injured. Militants also attacked the houses of former federal minister and Awami National Party leader Afzal Khan and Matta Nazim Abdul Jabbar. However, the militants retreated after an exchange of fire for some time. No injuries were reported. Taliban attacked a convoy of security forces in Shah Dheri area of Kabal tehsil, injuring one of the men. The Taliban claimed to have killed two men. In Kala Kalay area of Kabal,
Army helicopters and artillery targeted Taliban positions in Bamakhela, Bodigram, Teligram and Taghwan Banr. The number of casualties could not be confirmed. Addressing union council nazims and tribal elders in Khwazakhela, Brig Ajab Khan said the purpose of the security operation was to ensure the safety of people's lives and property. He said priority would be given to health, education and welfare projects in a package given from security forces to the people of Swat. Talking to reporters over telephone from an undisclosed location, Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan said they had caused heavy losses to the security forces. He said the purpose behind the Taliban's struggle was the implementation of shariah in Malakand and they would not budge from their "principled" stance. Separately, Taliban freed eight men in Hangu district after negotiations with tribal elders and the local administration on Wednesday. The hostages had been kidnapped on July 25. | |
| Posted by:Fred |