LANDI KOTAL: The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed for almost five hours on Sunday when security forces launched a combing operation in border town after getting an alert massage from intelligence agencies about possible infiltration of suspected militants from Afghanistan.

Officials said that border was closed at around 5:30am and curfew was imposed in the nearby localities. Security forces conducted a search and combing operation in Torkham and Bacha Mena localities.

Local residents said that security forces checked the credentials of almost every one present at Torkham border crossing and the adjacent market where offices of most of the clearing agents, traders and transporters were situated.

They said that they personnel of FC along with Khasadar also searched some houses in Bacha Mena and quizzed the local residents about their occupations.

The combing operation continued till 10:30am after which the border crossing was reopened to both pedestrians and vehicles.

Officials said that no arrests were made during the five-hour combing operation. They that the search operation in Torkham and surrounding areas was conducted after they received a security alert from intelligence agencies about possible infiltration of activists of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar into Pakistani territory via Loe Shalman and lower Mohmand unfrequented routes.

A security alert issued to all the law enforcement agencies cautioned of possible terrorist attacks on security installations in Shabqadar and Peshawar.

Meanwhile, Air Force fighter planes bombed hideouts of suspected militants in the mountainous region of Tirah near the Afghan border.

Official sources said that fighter planes targeted militant positions in Kukikhel inhabited areas of Pakdarra, Rajgal, Serrai, Narai Naw, Sattar, Saparay and Kheraba.

Also in the day, the political administration in Jamrud held meeting with local elders in the aftermath of a security threat. The elders were advised to ensure security of markets and worship places during the month of Ramazan by deputing local armed volunteers at those places.

The Khasadar, Levies and FC will also perform their routine duty while conducting regular patrolling of the area.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2017