| Three local Taliban commanders and five militants surrendered to the security forces after a peace jirga in Kabal tehsil of Swat district on Thursday. Sources said commanders Khalilur Rehman, Fazl-e-Kabir and Mumtaz were close aides of Fazlullah, the head of local Taliban in Swat. The militants also surrendered heavy weapons. Local elder Sher Muhammad Khan heads the Swat peace jirga. Also on Thursday, security forces fired artillery at the Malam Jabba tourist resort after being informed of the presence of local Taliban at the resort. Gunship helicopters also fired at northern parts of Matta tehsil. No casualties were reported. |