TANK, May 17: Army was called out on Thursday to cope with any eventuality after the local administration received reports that 90 to 100 militants had entered the city to carry out terrorist activity in the area, a government official said.

District Coordination Officer Syed Mohsin Shah said the city had been handed over to troops after fierce gunbattles between personnel of paramilitary forces and militants on Wednesday.

“The security has been put on high alert to cope with the situation after local administration received reports from the South Waziristan Agency that about 90 to 100 militants have entered the city to carry out terrorist activities,” Mr Shah said.

Informed sources told Dawn that over 200 militants were also on way to the troubled district from the Jandola region, which prompted the local administration to seek assistance from the army.

Clashes in Tank on Wednesday left six people dead and 16 wounded.

An official source told Dawn that some 200 troops had been deployed in the city and more soldiers were on way to the area from Dera Ismail Khan. The army would help the Frontier Constabulary and police to restore order in the city, he said.

“The administration received reports that above 200 militants have assembled near Khairgi checkpoint in Jandola,” the official said.

“Tension is running high in the area and authorities have directed residents to stay indoor,” he said.