LANDI KOTAL, June 2: Twenty-six militants affiliated with the Tariq Afridi group were killed in two incidents on Saturday, sources said.

According to official sources, military planes targeted militant positions in Dwa Thoe area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency, killing 23 militants. Two hideouts were also destroyed in the air attacks carried out early in the morning.

Three militants of the same group and a volunteer of the Kukikhel peace committee were killed in clashes in Sra Vela area.

The Kukikhels claimed to have detained 12 militants during the fighting erupted four days ago.

The Kukikhel elders spearheading the armed campaign against the Taliban claimed to have pushed back the militants from Sra Vela the latter had captured on Friday.

On Friday, the Kukikhel peace committee claimed to have killed six Taliban and said two of their volunteers had also lost their lives in the four days of fighting.

Renewed clashes between the Taliban and Kukikhel peace volunteers have forced several families in Sra Vela, Dwa Thoe and surrounding areas to move to safer places.

Meanwhile, the Zakhakhel tribal lashkar arrested a would-be suicide bomber in Walay area of Bazaar-Zakhakhel.