PHOTO: AFP
SHABQADAR/ PARACHINAR: Days after militants launched multiple attacks in Mohmand Agency, a night curfew imposed by the local administration was extended for much of the day on Monday as authorities searched for those who carried out the assaults.
While the curfew was eased for a few hours in the afternoon, it was restored on Monday evening as officials said it would remain in place for an indefinite period.
On Thursday at least nine Khasadar paramilitary troops were killed in two separate attacks in Mohmand Agency.
The militants returned to the attack site in Karapa two days later. This time they found security forces ready. The ensuing exchange of fire left at least five assailants dead.
On Monday, the agency administration extended the night curfew till afternoon without any formal announcement. This caused problems for the locals as schools, government offices, thoroughfares and hospitals remained closed. Only the Agency Headquarters Hospital in Ghallanai remained open to treat emergency cases and serious patients.
A senior official of the political administration said security officials had conducted a door-to-door search operation in Ghallanai and its surrounding areas. The search was also extended to Safi tehsil and Baizai subdivision.
Security sources said they had detained over a dozen people, though most were released after investigations. A number of unlicensed weapons were also seized during the search.
Drone strike injures man
A man was injured while three empty houses in Kurram Agency were destroyed when a drone fired on them.
A drone fired four missiles on houses in Shaheedano Dand area in Lower Kurram Agency near Khost province of Afghanistan.
There were reports that at least three people had been killed but this could not be verified independently.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 23rd, 2016.
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