20 militants killed in joint operation: Officials

A curfew was imposed on major routes from Peshawar leading to Mohmand Agency and a search operation was launched in 25 villages of Mohamand. PHOTO: FILE

Twenty militants were killed by security forces and police on Thursday in a joint operation in Bajaur and Mohmand agencies.

The operation was launched after a militant attack on a levies checkpost in which one security official was killed.

One suicide bomber who wanted to target security forces was also gunned down in Bajaur, security officials said.

Eight militants were killed and twenty suspected militants were picked up by security forces in Mohmand Agency.

Meanwhile, a curfew was imposed in 25 villages of Shabqadar and the main highway was closed for every kind of traffic due to the security situation in the area.

The areas where operations were conducted include Tehsil Khar of Bajaur Agency, Raghgaan, Anayat Klay and Siddique Abad.

Militant hideouts were also shelled in the Mandal area of Bajaur.

Earlier in the morning, militants also blew up a government primary girls’ school in the Michni area.