3 troops, 37 militants killed in clashes

SWAT/PESHAWAR - At least 15 militants and three personnel of security forces were killed and several others injured in clashes in Shangwati area of Swat on Saturday. Meanwhile, 22 militants were also killed in exchange of fire with troops in Bajaur and Mohmand Agencies, officials said on Saturday.


According to the officials, security forces were fired upon by the militants in Shangwatai areas of Tehsil Matta and during exchange of fire 10 miscreants were killed who were disguised in FC uniforms. Three soldiers also embraced martyrdom.


In another incident in Wanai area of Matta, three militants were killed during exchange of fire with security forces deployed there for the security of people while a soldier was also injured. Security forces engaged the suspected hideouts of militants in Shamozai area of Matta.


Security forces have cordoned Kabal village early Saturday morning and militants were ordered to surrender but to no avail. Ample time was given to the residents of Kabal to leave the area so that collateral damage could be avoided. During exchange of fire with militants in Kabal two, miscreants were killed.


Gunship helicopters also destroyed a compound of Dr Ehsan in Kabal which was being used as planning centre by the militants and now it was also declared as a Kabal Bench of Miscreant's Shariah Court. The security forces have appreciated the cooperation extended by the local people of Kabal in vacating their houses before the start of operation.


Authorities have assured that this operation has been undertaken as a last resort. Security forces were constantly receiving fire from this village. Militants are directly responsible of these losses. A relief camp has been established for the displaced people in Balogram by the adminhstration.


Army Engineers have successfully completed the repair work of damaged road near Ayub Bridge due to suicidal attack and now traffic has been restored.


Efforts are also in hand with collaboration of National


High Authority (NHA) to repair the damaged arched bridges near Sangota and Fiza Gatwhich were destroyed by the miscreants.


Meanwhile, the security forces killed seven militants and injured several others while repulsing their attack on a checkpost at Karpa area of Mohmand Agency.


According to details, a group of militants attacked the security forces' checkpost with sophisticated weapons. The security forces successfully repulsed the attack, killing seven of them and forcing others to flee, the officials said.


Meanwhile, 15 militants were killed in clashes with security forces in Bajaur Agency.