Islamabad, August 26: Pakistani security forces killed three militants and captured seven more in search and clearance operations in Swat and other parts of the restive Malakand division, the military said today.
Eleven local residents who were forced to join “terrorist training” by the Taliban voluntarily surrendered to the security forces near Chuprial, the military said in a statement.
Two militants were killed by security forces conducting a search operation near Gat in Swat. Troops killed a militant and apprehended another during an operation near Khwazakhela, a former Taliban stronghold.
Troops captured six suspects during a search operation at Saltan village and Barjabar near Kanju, another former militant stronghold.
A ‘lashkar’ or tribal militia demolished three houses of militants near Tutan Banda in Swat. Security forces also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation at Kala Kalle, the military said.
The army claims it has killed over 1,800 militants since operations were launched against the Taliban in Swat and other areas in Malakand division in May. The figure cannot be independently confirmed as journalists are barred from reporting from the conflict zone.
About 300 security personnel have also been killed in the fighting.
—Agencies