'Accidental' explosion in Khyber Agency kills seven suspected militants

Initial reports suggest blast took place inside a militant hideout

KHYBER AGENCY: At least seven suspected militants were killed when a high intensity explosion occurred in a compound in the Sepah area of Tirah Valley, Khyber Agency on Friday.

Officials and tribal sources informed that the explosion occurred in a compound, occupied by militants from banned  Lashkar-e-Islam.

The nature of the explosion could not be ascertained but tribal sources believe that explosives in the possession of the militants went off.

Identities of the killed militants are yet to be determined but almost all of them were associated with banned Lashkar-e-Islam and belonged to Bara region of Khyber Agency.

A number of militants were also injured in the explosion.

Lashkar-e-Islam holds a strong position all over Bara region of Khyber Agency.

Military action in Operation Khyber-I is also focused on banned Lashkar-e-Islam, which has so far claimed over 300 lives in the area and surrendering of more than 400 militants to government.

Officials have earlier termed successful military action in Operation Khyber-I by eradicating most of the terrorism from the region.