TTP bunkers on Swat mountaintops dismantled

SWAT:

Local residents rejoiced as police started a search and strike operation in the mountains of Matta in Swat district and dismantled bunkers set up by militants.

Police said that many shanty houses were found in the wilderness used by militants along with mountain top bunkers which were torched and dismantled.

The operation was conducted by police in Bahadir Banda, Kanala Leto Sar, Joliasar, Barkosar, Gohal and Sheikhan village of Matta.

“District police, rapid response force, special combat units, district security branch, elite force and bomb disposal squad (BDU) took part in the operation,” said a spokesperson of police while talking to The Express Tribune.

The operation was led by DSP Matta Ghaniur Rehman and the area has been declared cleared by the police, he added, saying that militants had already abandoned them.

The operation was welcomed by local residents who are demanding action against militants for months as local traders are constantly receiving extortion calls.

The entire district has been in the grip of panic after militants attacked a school van killing its driver and injuring two children in the Charbagh area of Swat although police claimed that it was a case of family feud.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 17^th, 2022.