Insurgency: Six militants killed in Swat clashes

Suicide attack prompts UN agency to suspend food handouts in Bajaur.

PESHAWAR: At least six terrorists were killed, while three paramilitary soldiers were injured in clashes between security forces and militants in three different places in Swat, officials said.

The dead included three militants who were released three days ago after they were found not guilty during a trial. They were shot dead after they attacked a military convoy in the Sardan area of Peochar Valley in Matta tehsil.

The leader of a local extremist group was killed in the Shamozai area of Swat district. Two more terrorists were killed in the Utror area of Kalam during a clash near a check post.

Meanwhile, the UN on Monday said that it suspended food handouts in Bajaur after a suicide bombing on Saturday.

The decision affects nearly 300,000 people who depend on general rations from the World Food Programme (WFP).

“We are … hoping to resume the distribution as soon as possible.”

“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our beneficiaries and staff, and we are committed to continue assisting the people of Fata as they work to rebuild their lives,” spokeswoman Jackie Dent told a news agency.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 28^th, 2010.