10 militants killed in Buner, Swat in continued military offensive in Pakistan

Heavy fighting was witnessed in the Pir Baba and Kalpani areas of Buner

By Farzana Shah-Asian Tribune Correspondent in Pakistan

Islamabad, 05 May, (Asiantribune.com): About ten militants have been killed while three security men including an officer were martyred in Buner and Swat during the last 24 hours, said an ISPR media release here Monday.

"Operation in Buner is progressing smoothly. Consolidation of positions in Daggar and surrounding areas continues. On Monday, Security Forces engaged militant’s hideout in Kalpani," it said.

Reportedly, 7 Militants, including an important militant commander Afsar Hameed, were killed. One soldier was martyred and 3 other were injured.

According to reports, militants are using 2,000 innocent people as human shield in view of impending clearance of Pir Baba by security forces.

In Buner curfew was relaxed from 11 am to 2 pm.

In Swat, “against all norms of religious teaching and human ethics, militants brutally beheaded two soldiers in their captivity on Sunday in Khawazakhela.”

"Militants high-handedness continues in Swat. In gross violation of peace accord armed militants are marching on the roads of Mingora city and other areas, threatening the lives of the innocent people of Swat and civil administration. Security forces are still exercising restraint to honour the peace agreement," it said.

In the wee hours on Monday militants attacked a Security Forces convoy in Barrikot, where exchange of fire took place in which an officer martyred and two soldiers were injured.

Security Forces check post at Shangla top was raided by militants, where one soldier was killed.

Militants burnt house of DSP at Kumber (Maidan) and also took away house-hold items from the house of Union Council Nazim at Maidan, Lower Dir. Militants kidnapped few civilians from Kot Haya Sarai, in Maidan.

A vacant Police Check post Yakhtangi at Shangla was destroyed by the militants who also set on fire three civil trucks in Biladram, Chamtalai.

Security Forces at Maidan also came under fire from the militants and in retaliation to it, an exchange of fire took place whereby killing three militants.

- Asian Tribune -