Bajaur Agency, Oct 15: At least 14 Taliban were killed last evening when Pakistani security forces targeted their hideouts in various areas of the strife-torn Bajaur Agency.

The security forces used jet aircraft, helicopter gunships and heavy artillery to destroy Taliban hideouts in Rashkai, Tang Khatta, Tangi, Chinar and Kotki areas of the agency. The forces bombed suspected Taliban hideouts twice in Charmang, Chinar and Kotki, the Daily Times quoted the sources as saying.

The fighting in Bajaur is some of the heaviest since the war on terror started in 2001.

Meanwhile, fighting between the Taliban and the Charmang tribal lashkar continued and both sides used heavy artillery. The lashkar and Taliban took positions against each other in Charmang. The lashkar set a number of Taliban houses on fire.

Separately, the political administration continued its crackdown on Taliban and Afghan refugees, arresting 16 people including some refugees.

The Online News agency reported that the Bajaur political administration arrested 100 people of the Mamoond tribe for not taking action against Taliban.

Security forces also bombed Bandi, Alam Gunj and Gash Kor areas in Khwazakhela tehsil of Swat for the third consecutive day, killing two civilians including a woman. A curfew is still enforced in the area. (ANI)