Pakistan: Troops, tanks roll into Khyber

A large number of regular Army troops have been deployed for launched an operation in Khyber Agency, reported BBC on Tuesday. The move came following a clash between security forces and militants. According to eyewitnesses, security forces have cordoned off several areas in Barqamber Khel and Sepah, while arresting many suspects on Tuesday morning. Locals say that all major roads leading to Bara were closed creating difficulties for them. Locals say that regular military troops are being deployed in Bara sub-division. They say that scores of military personnel are entering Bara sub-division with tanks. Ahmad Nabi from Khyber Agency adds: Three persons including two children were killed on Tuesday when a mortar shell landed at the house of a tribesman in Sepah area of tehsil Bara, official and local sources said. Sources said that a stray mortar shell fired by unknown militants from unknown area hit the house of one, Saidullah which killed him alongwith two other children on the spot. The house was also damaged in the incident, sources said. In addition three unknown bullet-riddled bodies were recovered from tehsil Bara on Tuesday, locals said. All the three persons had been shot and killed, sources said. Identification of the deceased could not be confirmed till filing of this report. Meanwhile, the forces action was in progress in Bara and the dwellers of Shlober, Qamber Khel, Sem Baba and Malikdin Khel were instructed on mega phones to stay at their homes. Most of the families have evacuated their residence in the operation zones and have taken refuge in mosques and schools in Ber-Kamber Khel and were being providing food and water by the locals.