27 militants, 3 soldiers killed in Swat: ISPR; Military consolidating positions

By Farzana Shah-Asian Tribune correspondent in Pakistan

Islamabad, 19 May, (Asiantribune.com): 27 militants, including three top militant commanders, have been killed in the last 24 hours of ongoing military operation in Swat, DG ISPR told Monday.

Briefing the newsmen on the latest situation of the insurgency-hit areas of Malkand division, Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said that three security personnel have also lost their lives while 17 others were injured in the last 24 hours of operation.

Military’s top spokesman said that the operation is presently underway in Kanju and Peochar areas of Swat, while Matta town has been cordoned off by the troops and the search operation to locate the miscreants is underway in the town.

"The ground offensive has now started in the cities and towns of Swat," Abbas said.

"We first have gone mountainous areas to hit hard the militants’ ammunition dumps and hideouts there. Air campaign and artillery was required in those areas, now the infantry is taking over the towns and cities of Swat to clear them off from militants," he said .

Military jets and helicopters on Monday bombarded militant targets in Swat, where troops entered strategic towns in a pincer thrust towards the Taliban-held capital of the northwest valley.

The deadly offensive against Taliban fighters entered a fourth week on Monday with troops battling on three fronts in the districts of Lower Dir, Buner and Swat where more than 1.1 million people have been displaced.

Security forces are consolidating their control over Takhatband, Kohza Khela and Kanjo after heavy gun battle with militants.

The military says its troops are closing in on Mingora, the capital of Swat, and have issued a map showing security forces in a pincer movement of troops pushing down from the north and up from the south.

Ground troops had moved into the Taliban-held towns of Kanju, two kilometres from Mingora, and Matta, further to the north, where officials said operations were in progress.

Fighter jets and helicopter gunships targeted hideouts of Taliban militants in Peochar and Takhta Bund areas in Swat on Monday morning against suspected militant hideouts in Peochar and Takhta Bund, which is main supply route for Taliban holed up in Mingora.

Authorities say more than 1,000 militants and at least 46 soldiers have been killed in a three-pronged onslaught launched in the northwest districts of Lower Dir on April 26, Buner on April 28 and Swat on May 8.

- Asian Tribune -