KHAR, Sept 2: Nine militants, among them key Taliban ‘commanders’, were killed and several others injured as clashes in the border area of Bajaur Agency continued on Sunday.

Official sources said security forces and volunteers of a local peace committee attacked several hideouts and militant positions in Batwar area of Salarzai tehsil.

Sources said nine militants were killed and an unspecified number of their comrades injured.

The officials did not disclose names of the Taliban `commanders’ killed in the gunbattle.

According to local people, both sides used heavy weapons against each other.

They said at least two members of the peace committee and a security official were injured. However, the local administration did not confirm it.

The officials said security forces and volunteers were moving towards militant areas, adding they had already taken over a few important positions.