Troops tightening noose on militants

SWAT—Twenty militants have been killed in the Swat operation last night while four security personnel embraced martyrdom and 15 sustained injuries as security forces are consolidating the gains it achieved in the last two days, army sources said on Monday.
Cobra Helicopters have engaged eight fleeing vehicles of militants on Bara Bande – Shakdarah Road. According to ISPR, mountain tops in Bara Bande, Kuza Bande, Mam Dheri and Segram have been sanitized and cleared of militants, and the area is in full control of the security forces. Two mortar shells landed at the security camp at Kabal at 7:05 am, sustaining minor injuries to three security personnel. The troops responded with artillery and mortar fire. Security forces also resumed their operation against militant’s positions in and around Shangla – Kandao Pass.
Curfew has been re-imposed after relaxation from 8 am to 12 pm. However, curfew has been relaxed in Mam Dheri from 2 to 5 p.m. to allow the locals to carryout day to day routine activities.
Security Forces are providing food and bedding to 2000 displaced individuals from Shangla and adjoining areas. Affected population has been temporarily accommodated in Mingora and will be shifted to relief camp in Risalpur, army sources said.
Roundabout 15 militants were killed while 7 soldiers were wounded during fighting between them, which are being continued in district Swat on Monday. Talking to Private TV Channel, Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj. Gen. Waheed Arshad put the death toll at 15 by saying that the security forces had regained control of Shakarda and heading towards Bair Qila.
There are militants there and we don’t want to provide them an opportunity to escape, he said, adding that, security forces targeted the mountaintop hideouts of militants. He said he has no information about Maulana Fazal Ullah but vowed to end his radio station. Maj. Gen. Waheed Arshad categorically stated that no help would be sought from International experts. There is no relaxation in curfew where fighting is still underway, he maintained. Forces using artillery and gunship helicopters inflicted heavy casualties on pro-Taliban militants in the troubled Swat valley, killing two commanders, officials said Monday.—Agencies