Eight soldiers among 45 killed in restive Swat valley of Pakistan

by hussain | May 6, 2009 at 06:40 am

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At least 45 persons, including eight soldiers and 37 militants, were killed in Pakistan’s restive Swat valley on Wednesday.

The Pakistani military said that 37 militants were killed in various parts of the troubled scenic valley in retaliation when militants attacked security forces and government buildings. Two security men were killed in a landmine explosion while another two were killed and six injured in an attack on a electricity grid station by militants.

SWAT: Thirty-seven militants were killed on Wednesday in fresh military offensive against insurgents in Swat valley.

"There were 37 militants killed in Matta, Saidu Sharif and other parts of the valley," Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) spokesman confirmed. "It was a responsive action after militants attacked troops and government buildings," he added.

Meanwhile, militants attacked a grid station in Mingora, martyring two security personnel and injuring six others.

According to the ISPR, 37 militants were killed in a ground and air assault across Swat. "We used artillery and helicopter shelling and then moved our troops into the area," the spokesman said, declaring that the mines had been recaptured.

There were reports that the insurgents looted two banks in Mingora and laid explosives mines at several places in Swat.

Two security men were killed when a landmine exploded in Bahrain area.
Pak army spokesman said that militants had come out of their hideouts. Fierce fighting is underway between security forces and Taliban militants in Kanju area.

In another incident, militants carried out a rocket attack on a girls’ college in Dir.

On the other hand, an indefinite curfew is in force in Swat valley.

A large number of people are fleeing Swat as the fighting has intensified.

In a separate incident, four soldiers were killed and five injured when a roadside bomb struck a convoy of security forces.

MALAKAND: Four soldiers were killed and five others wounded when a roadside bomb tore through their convoy in Malakand on Wednesday.

According to sources, the bomb was detonated by remote control as the military convoy was heading to Mingora via Malakand road.

The blast occurred near Bridge post in Chakkadra, killing four security men and injuring five others.

On the other hand, curfew is in force in Malakand from 6am in the morning, forcing the people to remain at homes. The Intermediate exams were also postponed in Malakand Agency over curfew.