Security forces have taken control of Chaparyal, a key locality in SwatÂ’s Matta tehsil, officials said on Monday. Troops arrested a would-be suicide bomber and 35 other suspected militants after a search operation in Chaparyal, they said, adding that weapons were also seized in the crackdown. The officials said the troops advanced from Venai Bridge to Chaparyal.
The troops arrested Maulvi Habib, who had issued a decree supporting suicide attacks, and his son Farman Habib, allegedly being prepared for a suicide attack. The troops also torched the houses of four militant commanders. However, an army statement said residents of Chaparyal had demolished the houses of three miscreants. Also, curfew was relaxed in Swat from 6am till 7pm, except in areas between Bariam and Vanai Bridge, the statement said. |