14 bullet-riddles bodies found in Pak tribal region

Bullet-riddled and mutilated bodies of 14 abducted men were found in the Khyber tribal region of northwest Pakistan where troops are conducting operations against a banned militant group, officials said today.

The bodies were found in Bara area of Khyber Agency, which borders Afghanistan.

All the dead men were local residents who were kidnapped three days ago, officials were quoted as saying by TV news channels.

One of the dead men was identified as tribal elder Malik Mehmood, who belonged to Sipah area of Bara sub-district.

The bodies were found as security forces continued a search operation against the banned Lashkar-e-Islam.

The group is accused of attacking security forces and pro-government tribesmen.

More than a dozen militants have been killed in the drive by the security forces that was launched four days ago.