Instead, they are tribal fighters committed to their local area.

"We wanted to go recover them," he said, insisting that he had persuaded his tribal fighters to stay put.

The clashes also left one tribal fighter dead and three wounded.

Both men have recruited tribal fighters who previously served with the Taliban.

Among the dead were 20 Tobu tribesmen, including at least 15 tribal fighters, and three government soldiers.

Attack helicopters swoop down over the trees in search of tribal fighters.

The younger Innocent, just 12, was from another village overrun by tribal fighters, albeit several years ago.

On 17 October, 17 people, including eight tribal fighters and two government soldiers, were killed.

Among the dead were civilians, tribal fighters and government soldiers.

An unnamed official claimed that up to 80 tribal fighters were killed.