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LANDIKOTAL,Pakistan-Pakistani security forces have secured an area in the Khyber region, where a key supply route passes into Afghanistan,a day after launching an offensive to push back militants threatening Peshawar.The offensive is the first major military action the new government has launched against militants since it took power after February elections, and comes after growing alarm about the consolidation and spread of militant influence in the northwest.A senior government official in the region told Reuters there had been no violence since Saturday night."The situation is under control. We have destroyed at least three militant hideouts and Frontier Corps soldiers are patrolling and controlling the area," said the official, who declined to be identified.The Khyber region is home to the Khyber Pass through which vital supplies for Western forces in Afghanistan pass. It had been virtually free of militant violence until this year but security has deteriorated in recent months as Islamist militants ganged up with the criminals.Major-General Alam Khattack said on Saturday his forces were focused on Bara town, about 15 km (10 miles) southwest of Peshawar. He said the offensive was expected to last four or five days but could be extended.A security official said one militant was killed on Saturday.Paramilitary troops fired mortar bombs at militants and later blew up several of their positions, including the house of militant commander, Mangal Bagh. Roads in and out of Bara have been closed and a curfew imposed.To read more go to:
As in the days of Noah...
