Taliban explosives expert gunned down by Pak troops

Militant commander Siddique alias Abu Zar was killed during a gun battle with security forces in Charbagh sub-division of Swat, the military said. Two of his aides were captured after being injured in the clash.      Two assault rifles, a pistol and a wireless set were recovered from their possession.

Siddique was an explosives expert and the mastermind of “many terrorist attacks” on law enforcement agencies, the military said.
Security forces also apprehended six suspects and recovered arms and ammunition during search operations at different places in Swat. One militant surrendered near Charbagh.

In the troubled Khyber tribal region, security forces arrested nine militants, including a commander named Sher Ali, in Bara sub-division, officials said.
In the Waziristan tribal region, militants raided a security forces check post in Jandola sector, though there were no reports of casualties, the military said. Troops “effectively responded” to the attack.