ISLAMABAD:Over 73 militants were killed on the second day of a full scale military operation by Pakistan Army's helicopters in Swat and Dir, said Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) Major General Athar Abbas said on Saturday. "In the early morning attack, helicopters engaged militants' hideouts in Mingora. Fifteen militants are reportedly killed in the engagement," Abbas said in a statement.
Indefinite curfew remained intact in Swat and Malakand Agency, he said, adding that several militant hideouts were targeted and their main headquarter was destroyed. "Militants' bases in Matta were attacked too," the ISPR DG added. Security forces continued pounding militants' hideouts in Mingora and adjoining areas of Khawazakhela as gunships helicopters hovered over Mingora city, he said.
"Militant hideouts were also engaged in Peochar, Qambar, Banababa, Ziarat, Mushkomai and Chamtalai areas in Khawzakhela. Reportedly, 30-40 militants have been killed," said Abbas. Earlier, at least 10 militants, including a commander Ziaur Rehman, were killed in an operation by security forces in Swat. Helicopters also bombed Nishat Chowk and Tahirabad areas in Mingora and destroyed militants' headquarter in the Swat Valley on Saturday.
The ISPR chief said that all militants would be wiped out from Swat. According to him, about 64,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have so far got themselves registered with the government. Tense situation in restive areas created shortage of food and medicines, he added. On the other hand, search operation continued in Buner and neighbouring areas. Official sources said security forces launched operation in Pir Baba and adjoining areas and several suspected militants were arrested.
APP ADDS: The security forces on Saturday killed 18 militants in exchange of fire in Spin area, 30 km north east of Wana in South Waziristan Agency. According to ISPR, exchange of fire took place when militants attacked a security forces convey. One militant was also apprehended. The bodies of the dead are in the custody of the security forces. One soldier embraced shahadat while two others received wounds during the exchange of fire.
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