By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces killed at least six militants in the country’s restive north-western Swat region, the army said Saturday.
Pakistan launched military operations in the area in late April against local Taliban who violated a peace deal with the government to advance dangerously close to capital Islamabad.
The government announced last month that it had defeated the rebels and destroyed their network, but warned that sporadic violence may continue for some time.
The military is conducting clearance operations in the areas frequented by the militants.
“Security forces carried out a search operation at Thana area and killed five terrorists during exchange of fire,” the army said in a statement. It said forces also killed another “terrorist” near Thakot.
The security forces also arrested at least 11 militants from two different places.
So far over 1,700 rebels and 160 soldiers have been killed in the operation and scores of suspected militants taken into custody.
Heavy combat in Swat and neighbouring districts also displaced more than two million people, but the government said most of the displaced population has since returned to their homes.