Two die in Taliban, security forces’ clashes in Pakistan’s northwest

By IRNA,

Islamabad : Two civilians were killed and five others injured as a mortar shell hit a house during exchange of fire between local Taliban and the security forces in Pakistan’s northwest on Tuesday, officials and witnesses said.


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Taliban also kidnapped 25 policemen from a police station and demanded the release of their prisoners to free the policemen in Swat valley, Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan said.

Suspected militants had also shot dead three intelligence officials last night in Swat.

Taliban and security forces clashed in a small village in Kabul area early in the morning, according to an army officer Major Farooq.

He did not say anything about the casualties.

He said troops were heading to the town of Deolai where Taliban had surrounded the police station but they came under attack on their way.

Farooq also confirmed the abduction of the policemen and paramilitary soldiers. However he did not say how many have been kidnapped.

He said that the forces arrested six suspected militants, including two commanders, and recovered arms from them.

Taliban spokesman said they have held 25 policemen hostage, saying that Taliban will continue attacks unless the forces are withdrawn from Swat valley.

Officials said that unidentified militants shot dead three members of an intelligence agency at Matta area of Swat last night. Taliban later claimed responsibility for the incident.

Police said that the intelligence agents were traveling in a car when over a dozen armed men opened on them, killing them at the scene.

Army spokesman Major Farooq confirmed the killing.

Taliban spokesman said that the intelligence agents have been shot dead to take revenge of police ‘torture of Taliban prisoners’.

He said that police had beaten Taliban prisoners who are now in hospital.

The forces clamped curfew in the area to search for the suspects.

Several peoples were also taken into custody, a police officer said.

Witnesses said that the forces shelled positions of militants in several parts of swat.

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