Taliban commander among seven killed in Pak. attack
Islamabad (PTI): A Taliban commander was among seven people killed in shelling by Pakistani security forces in the restive Bajaur tribal region, even as militants torched shops selling videos in the militancy-hit Swat valley on Friday.
Local Taliban commander Shah Khalid and six others were killed in the shelling in Mamoond area of Bajaur Agency, TV channels reported. There was, however, no official confirmation of Khalid's death.
The shelling was carried out by troops as the funeral of slain tribal chief Malik Rehmatullah, his son and guards was held in Badan area of Bajaur.
A suicide bomber attacked Rehmatullah when he was offering evening prayers in a mosque on Thursday. Twelve people, including him, were killed in the attack.
Rehmatullah had formed a 'lashkar' or tribal militia to take on the local Taliban in Mamoond area, which is considered a stronghold of militants.
The elders of the Mamoond tribe on Friday vowed to continue their campaign against the militants despite yesterday's suicide attack.
In the restive northwestern Swat valley, militants set ablaze shops selling videos and electronic goods at a market in Mingora, the main city in the area. The militants also set on fire a video game shop in the city. Furniture and goods worth thousands of rupees were destroyed, police said.
Meanwhile, two men accused of spying for the US were killed by suspected militants in the restive North Waziristan tribal region bordering Afghanistan.
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