At least 10 people were killed in clashes between the Taliban and pro-government tribal leaders in Bajaur Agency, officials said on Tuesday.The Taliban on Monday intercepted a convoy carrying 12 pro-government elders of the Mamoond tribe, local government official Israr Khan told AFP. The tribesmen opened fire and killed three Taliban, including their commander, he said. The elders then took refuge in a guesthouse belonging to a local tribal chief, but more Taliban arrived, who besieged the house and demanded the local chief hand over the elders. "They opened fire and lobbed hand grenades inside, killing four elders and three servants of the tribal chief," Khan said.
Swat: At least 17 Taliban were killed and several injured in clashes with security forces in Swat on Tuesday, a military statement said. "Security forces fired artillery on Taliban hideouts in Kabal tehsil of Swat, which triggered a crossfire, killing seven Taliban," the statement said. Troops also killed eight Taliban following an abortive attempt by them to ambush a convoy of security forces in Khawazakhela area, the statement added.
Separately, one soldier was killed when a security patrol came under attack by the Taliban in Kanjoo area. "Twenty-seven suspected Taliban were arrested during a search operation in Kanjoo area," the statement added. It said that two more Taliban were killed and five others wounded in clashes with security forces in Mian Keley village.
Shabqadar: Security forces and Taliban clashed in Mian Kalay and Noranai areas of Shabqadar tehsil in Charsadda district, killing two Taliban and two civilians, including a woman, and wounding several others.