MINGORA: Security forces arrested a militant commander during a search operation, while the police rounded up three schoolteachers in Swat district on Friday, sources said. The security forces arrested Razzaq, who had issued a fatwa (edict) to butcher security forces personnel, from Kot Charbagh, and later shifted him to Khwazakhela police station for interrogation.In addition to Kot Charbagh, the security forces also conducted search operations in upper parts of Matta tehsil, including Geopal and Venai areas. However, no arrests were made during the search operations that continued for several hours. Meanwhile, Mingora police arrested six teachers of the Government Primary School Mulla Baba. After initial probe, three teachers were released while three others remain in police custody.
Curfew relaxed: Meanwhile, the curfew was relaxed in Swat from 6am to 7pm, while there was complete peace in Parachinar. According to Online, militants also targeted a military convoy near Bannu airport, however no loss of life was reported. Earlier, sources said that authorities had scaled back the military operation in the region due to heavy rains and snowfall in mountainous areas over the past two weeks.
Security forces could not reach upper areas of Matta and Kabal tehsils, while Namal, Payochar, Chiryaal, Shor, Manja, Totanobandi and Sarsinai area are still in control of militants. People have been facing problems due to strict checking at entry and exit points of various areas.