18 Taliban Militants Killed, 13 Arrested in Latest Offensive
As least 18 Taliban militants have been killed in last 24 hours in Pakistan army offensive in the northwest region of the country, while 13 others were arrested, said an army statement. Two security forces personnel were killed and four others were injured, it said.
According to army statement, life in Mingora, formerly a main Taliban stronghold in the Swat valley, is returning to normal quickly.
“Provision of food items and medicines are being organized and executed,” the statement added.
However, the armed forces are still facing stiff resistance in some areas of Swat, the army said.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said that army offensive against Taliban militants in the country’s northwest would soon be accomplished.
In a high level meeting at Presidential house, Zardari, who presided over the meeting, said that army had taken control of all important areas in Malakand, the North West Frontier Province.
He said that the whole nation stand firm against terrorism and Pakistan had no place for those who defame Islam.
He said that inter-provincial intelligence should be enhanced and provincial coordination was needed to bar militants from entering their places.
The security forces launched operations against Taliban militants late April after they refused to vacate the Buner district neighboring the Swat district of the NWFP as promised and challenged the writ of the government.
