Two days after a deadly suicide attack on a mosque people in the region formed a 'lashkar' or tribal militia and launched a drive against Taliban fighters.
People in Pakistan’s northwestern Dir region on Sunday rose up in anger against the Taliban after a suicide attack on a mosque and killed 13 extremists even as four militants and three security personnel were killed in fresh fighting in the restive Malakand division.
Two days after a deadly suicide attack on a mosque in Upper Dir district killed over 40 people, people in the region formed a 'lashkar' or tribal militia and launched a drive against Taliban fighters, including Afghan militants.
Hundreds of members of the lashkar attacked six villages whose residents were harbouring the Taliban. The militia killed at least 13 extremists, including foreigners, and destroyed several militant hideouts in Upper Dir, Geo News channel reported.
While attacking the militants, members of the militia shouted slogans like "Jaag utha Pakistan" (Pakistan has awakened), media reports said.
Tribal elders told the media that the people held the Taliban responsible for the suicide bombing of the mosque in Hayagai Sharqi on Friday. Several children were killed in that attack.
In the troubled Malakand division, four militants and three security personnel, including an officer, were killed in fighting over the past 24 hours. Seven security personnel were also injured, the military said in a statement.
Security forces consolidated their positions and established check posts at Barabandai, Kozabandai and Ningulai in the Swat valley. The Aloch area of Shangla district was also secured by troops.
Despite the capture of several key cities and towns and militant strongholds by the army, the Taliban have continued to carry out raids and ambushes in the region.
Two security personnel were killed during an exchange of fire with militants in Kabal. Three security personnel were injured when troops repulsed a raid by militants on an important height known as Point 2050 near Runial.
Troops seized an explosive-laden vehicle packed with 15 improvised explosive devices made with pressure cookers during a cordon and search operation in Tahirabad area. Security forces also killed two militants during a raid on a terrorist’s house at Balakot village.
A junior commissioned officer who was kidnapped by militants on April 24 from Qambar in Swat managed to escape today when the hideout where he was being held came under fire from security forces.
In Lower Dir district, troops secured areas north and south of Faqirabad. Two militants were killed during operations in this area after they opened fire at security forces. A security personnel was injured in the skirmish.
Soldiers also captured a would-be suicide bomber in Kohat cantonment. The bomber entered the cantonment through a drain running near a school.
The Pakistan Army said on Saturday that it would remain in Swat for up to a year to ensure that the capabilities of civilian law enforcement agencies were built up so that they could prevent the re-entry of militants in areas captured by the troops.
The military claims over 1,300 militants and more than 100 security personnel have died since a drive was launched against the Taliban in Malakand division, which includes the Swat valley.
The militants have retaliated by carrying out a series of deadly bombings and suicide attacks across the country. Two policemen were killed when a suicide bomber struck at the office of a police emergency response unit in Islamabad last night while about 30 people were killed in a recent attack on offices of the police and an intelligence agency in Lahore.
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