Islamabad, July 11: The Pakistani military today said it had captured 26 militants in the restive Malakand division and Swat valley, where the army is winding down an operation against the Taliban after securing major towns and villages in the region. Troops captured 24 suspects during a search operation at Waliabad while two militants were apprehended in an operation near the tourist resort of Malam Jabba in Swat.
The soldiers also seized weapons, including a small machine gun, a carbine and three pistols, and ammunition. Three soldiers were injured during operations near Thana in Swat.
Troops also conducted a search operation in Churkhai, Talang and Sadda Khan villages as part of the armys ongoing efforts to consolidate its positions in Swat before the return of people displaced by the fighting. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said the displaced people will begin returning to their homes from July 13, marking the culmination of a two-month-old drive against the Taliban in Swat and nearby districts.
Troops also destroyed a militant hideout during a search operation in Dir district. They also recovered safety fuses, detonators, blasting cord and explosives.
Despite the successes claimed by the army in Swat, violence has flared in other nearby areas of the North West Frontier Province. An improvised explosive device exploded near a culvert on a key road in Bannu district, damaging a bridge.
—-PTI–