A key commander was among several other militants killed as security forces continued bombing Taliban positions in Piochar and adjoining areas of the troubled Swat district late on Tuesday night. Local commander Ibne Amin and several other close associates of Maulana Fazlullah were killed in an overnight bombing by the security forces, sources told Daily Times. Ibne Amin was a key militant commander, who also remained involved in the Afghan jihad.Stopping short of confirming the killing of the commander, spokesman for Swat Media Centre Major Amjad Iqbal said, “We have received reports about his (Amin’s) death through local media. The matter is being investigated and nothing can be said at the moment.”
16 suspects apprehended: The spokesman said a number of other militants were also killed, while 16 suspects had been apprehended at various security checkposts last night. However, he would not mention the exact number of those claimed to be killed in the overnight shelling. Locals said a woman, whose family was leaving the Chaparyal area of Matta for a safe location, was killed as the vehicle the family was travelling in came under fire from the security forces near Sangota. Two other family members sustained injuries. Major Amjad confirmed the womanÂ’s killing, but said the troops opened fire at the vehicle after it violated the curfew.
He said that people who had suffered losses during the ongoing military operation against the militants should submit their applications with the district coordination officer by December 14 to get compensation. He also informed reporters about an uprising against the militants in Nihak Dara and Lok Dara areas of the valley.
Meanwhile, shops and business centres in Matta, Khwazakhela and Mingora remained opened and people were seen shopping for the upcoming Eidul Azha. Residents of Ghat Piochar, Shaur, Namal and Venai, on the other hand, continued fleeing their areas for safer locations due to the ongoing operation against the militants.
Local administration has imposed a curfew in Swat from 6pm on Wednesday till 7am on Thursday. The curfew will be relaxed from 7am today (Thursday) till evening in Mingora, Kabal, Matta and other areas of Swat. However, there will be no relaxation in curfew hours from Fiza Ghat checkpost to Khwazakhela, the sources told Daily Times.