FRONTIER WARFARE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 January 1920, Page 5

FRONTIER WARFARE.

TROUBLOUS TRIBESMEN. A HEAVY ENGAGEMENT. By Telesrnpli.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Received Jan. 22, 2.45 p.m. Delhi, Jan. 19. In a heavy frontier engagement the British casualties were 380. The Doraiat column, which is advancing into the neart of the Mahsud country, was strongly opposed north of Ahuaidangi, upon which heavy fighting at close quarters occurred. Eight British officers were killed, six were wounded, and one is missing. Six Indian officers were killed and six were wounded, while amongst other ranks there were thirty-five killed, 278 wounded, and forty are missing. An aeroplane was shot down, but the airmen are safe. The Mahsuds' losses are at least 130 killed and 280 wounded. After the engagement the recalcitrant leaders asked for the advance to stop, when they would comply with the terms. The following day was quiet.—Renter Service. Bombay, Jan. 21. The Derajat column arrived and encamped to-day without serious opposition on the great Soraroglm plateau, about a mile westward of Slilmanzi, The enemy confronting us numbered about 200 and throughout the day harassed our picketing operations. There is persistent sniping on both sides day and night. Some tribesmen handed in a number of tribal rifles at .landola, but there is not the slightest sign of peace and very little effort, appears to be being made by the Wazirs to bring in the fines and rifles. The tribes are evidently doubtful of our ability to enforce the terms.

The Mahsuds, who continue to oppose our advance and snipe our pickets, have been informed that there will be no cessation till the fines and rifles are produced in full. The opposing force has now dwindled to 1000 men. Naikach village has been completely destroyed as the enemy there mutilated the body of one of our dead.