34 militants killed in Swat

SWAT - At least six persons were killed, six others got injured, two militants were arrested and two persons were abducted in fresh incidents of violence here at Kabal and Matta areas, sources informed Saturday.
According to the sources, three persons including a minor were killed when a mortar shell hit a house in Totano Bandi area during the shelling of security forces against the suspected hideouts of miscreants. Four persons were also injured in the incident. Three other innocent persons were killed during the exchange of firing between the militants and the security forces in Venai area.
In other incident, two security personnel, Gul Umar and Aftab, were injured during the militants' attack in Nengwali area, the sources added. Some unknown militants also kidnapped two persons, Jamil and Ajmal, at gunpoint. Later the militants shifted them to an unknown location.
The security forces also arrested two suspected militants in Alam Ganj area.
Meanwhile, Operation in-Charge Major General Naseer Janjua was transferred and, according to the sources, Major General Ijaz Awan had replaced him.
APP adds; At least 34 militants were killed and two soldiers martyred during Alam Gnaj operation continuing since December 24 in Tehsil Khawazakhela in Swat district, said a Press release of Swat Media Centre here Saturday.
The dead also included Commander Abdul Aziz alias Kotay, it said, adding the operation is continuing and curfew has been imposed for indefinite period in the area for the last four days. Two soldiers were also wounded in this operation, it added.
Meanwhile, in Sakhipul area of Tehsil Jamrud Khyber Agency, fire was exchanged between the security forces and militants, however no loss of life was reported. The reports said Taliban vehicles were intercepted by the security forces and Khasadars, which led to the exchange of firing and continued for quite some time.
The fleeing pro-Taliban militants left two vehicles which were taken into custody by the security forces. Heavy weapons were recovered from the seized vehicles.