KHAR/GHALANAI, Jan 29: The security forces claimed to have taken control of strategic locations in far flung areas of Bajaur and Mohmand besides killing several militants during the three-day offensives in both the tribal regions.

The security forces launched offensives in Bajaur and Mohmand tribal regions at same time to check infiltration of militants from one region to other. The militants had established safe havens in the mountainous range along Bajaur-Mohmand border and sneaked from one region to other to carry out their activities.

The Bajaur offensive, launched at Inzari, Samsai and Ghundai areas of Nawagai tehsil on Thursday, was concluded on Saturday. Curfew was imposed and all entry and exit points were sealed to check activities of the insurgents.

The security forces claimed to have taken control of last bastions of militants including Inzari, Samsai and Ghundai. These strategic locations, which join both the Bajaur and Mohmand agencies, were in militants' control since inception of militancy in the tribal region. Militants had planned attacks, targeted government installations and carried out target killings in other parts of the region and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from these places.

The security forces on Saturday destroyed five hideouts and several bunkers of militants in these areas. About 15 militants were killed and 100 others arrested during the three-day operation.

A large number of people have vacated their houses and shifted to safer places owing to military operation. The three-day curfew also paralysed life in Bajaur. However, on Saturday the curfew was relaxed from 11am to 4pm. The people heaved sigh of relief and the stuck vehicles started plying on the roads. The markets and shops were reopened and people thronged to various bazaars in the region to buy essential items.

On the other hand search and cordon operation was continued in Mohmand tribal region. The security forces claimed gains and advancement to the far flung areas of the region along the borders with Bajaur Agency and neighbouring Afghanistan.

They claimed that nine militants were killed and several others wounded when helicopter gunships pounded their locations in Dwaizai and Inzari areas of tehsil Pandyali and Sagai area of tehsil Safi on Saturday. The security personnel at Nahqai checkpost arrested six suspected persons haling from Suran Dara and shifted them to undisclosed location for interrogation.

Frontier Corps IG Maj-Gen Nadar Zeb, Mohmand Political Agent Amjad Ali, and Commandant Mohmand Riffles Colonel Azeem visited the conflict zone and review the ongoing military offensive.

On the other hand so far 160 families have migrated from affected areas including Ghalingar, Sagai, Dwaizai and Suran Dara to IDP camps in Nahqai and Danish Kol. The IG FC, PA, and commandant also visited the relief camps. They ordered provision of food and other necessary items to the displaced tribesmen.