Islamabad: Pakistani security forces clashed again today with pro-Taliban militants in a tribal region in northwestern Pakistan where rebels have hijacked trucks transporting ammunition and supplies for the army.

A military operation launched yesterday in the Darra Adam Khel area of North West Frontier Province to recover the four trucks was briefly put on hold at the request of a tribal jirga who is trying to negotiate with the militants. However, fighting resumed this morning after militants attacked Frontier Corps check posts near Spina Thana.

TV channels reported that nearly 40 militants and two security personnel have died in the skirmishes since yesterday. Reports said militant positions on hills and mountains were pounded by artillery and gunship helicopters. The troops also captured the strategic Satera Hills and advanced to other areas in Darra Adam Khel.

Hundreds of people have fled from Darra Adam Khel to Kohat and Peshawar due to the fighting. Many people, including women and children, who could not get transportation made the trek to safer places on foot. However, authorities sealed most roads in Kohat cantonment as a precautionary measure.

Besides conducting a search operation to locate the hijacked trucks, the security forces are taking steps to keep open the vital Indus Highway, which was "blocked due to the criminal activities" of militants, an army statement said. The militants also attacked and blocked the Kohat Tunnel. The Frontier Corps personnel were responding to the attacks to clear the area of rebels, the statement said.

Source : PTI