PESHAWAR:
Security forces withdrew from Hassan Khel, Frontier Region (FR) Peshawar on Saturday after a three-day-long search operation in the area.
According to local elders, the security forces ended their operation and have withdrawn. “They still have a presence in Kandao Asha Khel in FR Peshawar but have left Hassan Khel. They arrested three local militant commanders,” said an elder, requesting anonymity.
Another elder said Bazargai was a stronghold of militants who had already established their headquarters at a seminary in the area. However, he added, militants abandoned the headquarters and escaped before the military arrived.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2013.