5 killed in clash with security forces

Security forces had launched an operation against militants in the area on information provided by locals.

SWAT:

Five alleged militants were killed in a clash with security forces when entering Swat from Dir district. Ten hand-grenades and five AK-47 rifles were also recovered from their possession.

Security forces launched an operation against militants in Totanu Bandey area, on information provided by the locals. Sources said that the militants were trying to enter Swat through Dir, but their attempt was foiled after a tip-off.

Two days earlier, seven terrorists were also killed in Totanu Bandey, while attempting to enter via the same route.

Earlier last month, Major-General Yasin Malik, Peshawar Corps Commander, had announced that the army operation against militants had successfully ended in Swat.

He had assured that those who had been captured and those who had absconded would not be able to escape punishment. He had added that the process of rehabilitating militants would continue in Swat.

As of May 11, the military spokesperson of the ISPR has reported that as many as 200 militants have been killed in the fighting with Pakistan army troops. By early June 2009, most of Swat was freed from Taliban and Mingora, the main town of Swat, the ISPR said

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2010.