Battle in Swat hots up

ISLAMABAD - The security forces have killed another 27 terrorists and apprehended a few others, while four soldiers and a policeman were injured during operations in Swat, Bannu and other areas.
According to an ISPR update issued here on Monday, the security forces during search operation at Banjut, Swat, recovered 50 mules loaded with arms and ammunition, medicines and ration and also apprehended a few terrorists. During search operation at Thana, an improvised explosive device (IED) went off causing injuries to a soldier. As a result of operation at Tahirabad, Mingora, the security forces recovered surgical equipment, nine hand grenades and office furniture from the house of a militant.
Security forces also conducted search operation at Dadhra and recovered one hand grenade and high altitude sleeping bag, besides securing area of Tighak Banda and Gakhe Banda. Two soldiers were injured at Pir Patai ridge during exchange of fire with terrorists.
A combing operation around Uchrai Sar, Ziarat Khapa and Datpanrai was carried out by the security forces and they recovered two small machine guns and one gas mask. The security forces engaged terrorists’ hideouts at Tiligram where 14 terrorists were killed in exchange of fire. Large quantity of ammunition and explosives including 4 IEDs, one 14.5 gun barrel and 26 detonators were also recovered.
Security forces confiscated 2,156 rounds of small machine gun, 9,728 rounds of light machine gun, 7 grenades and 8 magazines of small machine gun from a single cabin vehicle at Kharkhanai Chowk, Dir. An IED planted by terrorists exploded near a civil vehicle at village Sarati Sherangal, Upper Dir, resultantly one child died and 10 civilians got injured.
Security forces conducted search operation at Rajgae Kandao, Buner, and apprehended two terrorists along with 5 kilograms explosives. Terrorists attacked on Jani Khel Fort in Bannu with mortars and small arms fire, which caused injuries to a policemen and a soldier.
As far as the relief activities are concerned, a conference on ‘Return Strategy’ was organised. The conference was attended by provincial relief commissioner of NWFP and UNHCR representative. So far, 4,872 families have returned to Bajur, Buner, Shangla and Dir, while 6,140 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand from July 3 to July 5. Around 754 tonnes of relief goods have been distributed so far in district Shangla, Upper Swat, Mingora and Charbagh.