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14 security men, 15 Taliban killed in Mohmand Agency

* Taliban ambush troop convoy, try to abduct pro-govt tribal elder
* Security forces impose indefinite curfew in Machni

By Mukaram Khan

GHALANAI: At least 14 soldiers and 15 Taliban were killed during clashes between Taliban and security forces at Aisha Corona and Banglo areas of Mohmand Agency, sources said.

Bodies of seven security men were recovered from Aisha Corona early on Sunday. Taliban had killed several soldiers after ambushing their convoy in the Banglo area late on Saturday, and abducted others.

Bodies of some of the abducted troops were recovered from Aisha Corona.

The sources said other soldiers were still in Taliban’s custody.

Taliban also abducted Yakaghond Tehsildar Arshad Ali.

Military sources told Daily Times that around 15 Taliban were killed and three were arrested during clashes that erupted on Saturday when Taliban surrounded the house of pro-government tribal elder Malik Noorzada in a bid to kidnap him.

The political administration also sent Khasadar and Levies troops to end the siege.

Locals said the attack was an apparent reaction to a visit by the Mohmand Agency political agent and the Mohmand Rifles commandant to Noorzada’s house on March 2.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Mohmand Agency chief Umer Khalid confirmed the attack on security forces while talking to Daily Times. He said that several security personnel were still in the custody of Taliban and put forward three conditions for talks with the security forces – exchange of prisoners, end of military checkposts in the agency and compensation for the demolished houses of the Taliban leaders and the tribesmen who supported them.

Security forces imposed an indefinite curfew in Machni area on Sunday and started a search operation. They also demolished the houses of three Taliban commanders Raheel, Ihtesham and Zaheerullah. Sources said that the security forces also pounded suspected Taliban hideouts with artillery.

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