Miranshah (Pakistan), Nov 4: Pakistani security forces claimed to have killed as many as 18 Taliban in an operation in the Bajaur Agency last evening.

While four Taliban died in artillery shelling in different areas of Mamond tehsil on Monday morning, 14 Taliban were killed in bombing by jet fighters in the afternoon, the Daily Times quoted Pakistan officials as saying.

Meanwhile, in Khar, the Miranshah agency headquarters, a grand jirga of tribal elders decided to take strict action against those found involved in anti-state activities. They said the houses of those found sheltering the Taliban would be torhced and they would be expelled from the area.

The jirga decided to impose a fine of Rs two million on those who sheltered the Taliban in their areas. The jirga members assured the government of their full co-operation, saying that they would fight alongside the security forces for restoration of peace in the agency.

The jirga members expressed satisfaction over the restoration of the government’s writ in many areas of Salarzai tehsil. They asked the tribesmen to continue co-operation with the government to ensure lasting peace in the agency. (ANI)