GHALANAI, June 30: Security forces have cleared most of the conflict ravaged Baizai tehsil in Mohmand Agency after inflicting heavy casualties on militants.

Frontier Corps spokesman Major Fazl said on Thursday that 40 militants and one security man had been killed in clashes over the past three days.

Talking to reporters, he said an offensive had been launched against militants in Baizai and Safi tehsils along the Afghan border about three months ago and most of the areas had been cleared.

He said the mountainous area was now under the security personnel’s control and they had strengthened their positions.

The spokesman said that troops had regained control of Wali Dad Top along the Afghan border. Militants had made incursion from the Afghan side on June 20 and overrun the Wali Dad post.

Meanwhile, residents of Alingar and Chamerkand decided to set up peace committees to strengthen security along the border and stop infiltration of militants.

The decision was taken at a jirga attended by a large number of tribal elders and Assistant Political Agent Roushen Mehsud. The jirga promised to cooperate with the authorities.

AFP adds: A military commander said his forces had destroyed 17 militant hideouts in Baizai.

“Militants were regularly attacking our posts on the border at Shonkari and Mithai and goods vehicles going to Afghanistan,” Brig Aftab Ahmad said.

“An operation was launched three days ago with the support of army aviation aircraft, helicopters and fighter jets.”