Security forces used artillery and gunship helicopters on pro-Taliban militants in the troubled Swat valley, killing 40 militants, including two commanders, and losing four soldiers, said military spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad. He said another five soldiers had been injured in the operation. Arshad told Daily Times that the hilltops had been cleared, while security forces were now advancing towards areas where the militants had taken refuge. Swat Media Centre spokesman Amjad Iqbal said two local commanders were among those killed, reported AFP. Commander Khitab Khan was one of the commanders killed, Daily Times learnt. Iqbal said security forces had targeted the hideouts of militants loyal to rebel cleric Maulana Fazlullah throughout Sunday night.
Meanwhile, a statement issued here said security forces destroyed eight vehicles and killed several militants during an operation. The militantsÂ’ convoy was destroyed on Bara Bandai-Shakardara Road. Separately, two security personnel were injured in a mortar attack on Kabal Golf Course.
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