LANDI KOTAL/ KHAR: People of Sipah area in Bara tehsil on Thursday found bodies of 12 non-combatants, including factory workers, who were killed during the security forces' crackdown on militants, while three succumbed to critical wounds, it is learnt.

Sources told Dawn that most bodies were found in Yousuf Talab area, where security forces imposed curfew on Wednesday before the start of the crackdown.

They said some died after being buried alive under the debris of houses damaged by artillery shelling, while others were killed in crossfire while running for safe places.

Sources said Khiyal Mohammad, Riaz's eight-year-old son and Bashar Khan's small son, who suffered critical injuries, dies on Thursday, while Hikmat Kamarkhel, Shamim Kamarkhel, Janat Khan, Bashar Khan, Samiullah Kamarkhel, Niaz Bahadar and his wife, Meera Baz's grandson, boy Sheenai, Khan Gul, Kaki Jan and an unidentified person were among those whose bodies were found in the day. Dawn

Locals, who spoke to on condition of anonymity, said boy Sheenai was picked up by security forces Wednesday evening before his body was found in Yousuf Talab area next morning.

When contacted, the relevant officials didn't reveal how many militants were killed in the crackdown. However, locals put the tally at six.

It is also learnt that security forces on Thursday arrested at least 90 people, mostly in Yousuf Talab, Jansi, Speen Qabar and Mandai Kas areas.

Locals said suspected militants were seen moving out of these areas in large numbers towards Spera Dam, Akkakhel and Qambar Khel hours before the start of the Wednesday operation.

They also said many families left their areas for safer places during operation, while many more followed suit after curfew was relaxed for some hours on Thursday morning to let people shift the injured to hospitals.

In another incident, two suspected militants were killed and four injured, while three of their hideouts were destroyed when gunship helicopters targeted them in Ghaibi Neeka area of Sipab in Tirah Valley on Thursday.

Meanwhile, security force on Thursday arrested six suspected militants during a search operation in Warr Mamond tehsil, according to local political tehsildar Farmosh Khan. Dawn

Mr Farmosh told that the operation was begun in the wake of Wednesday's bomb explosion, which killed five pro-government tribesmen in Warr Mamond.

He said security forces began search operation in various parts of the region and that sniffer dogs were also used for the purpose.

Sources said the arrested men were shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

Local administration imposed curfew in Warr Mamond for the search operation.

Also in the day, security forces seized a large quantity of weapons, missiles and explosives and arrested three suspected militants during a search operation in Loe Mamond tehsil.

Bajaur Scouts commandant Colonel Shakil Janjua told reporters that security forces backed by local peace committees conducted search operation in Lara Banda, Bara Banda, Niag Banda and others areas of the region.

He said the seized weapons included dozens of AK-47 rifles, a dozen Russian missiles, 20 mortar shells, 10 rocket launchers, four 14.5MM guns, explosive devices, suicide vests and thousands of live rounds.

Dawn Report