Islamabad, July 15 (DPA) Pakistani security forces killed six Taliban militants in Swat valley, officials said Wednesday, as thousands of people displaced by a government offensive returned to their homes in parts of the district.
The clash took place in the Kabal area, one of the former bastions of the guerrilla fighters, located near Swat’s main town of Mingora.
“Six terrorists were killed and several others wounded in the intense gunfight,” a security official in the region said on condition of anonymity. “Troops did not suffer any casualties.”
The army confirmed the incident but did not give any detail.
More than 1,700 militants have been reported killed in the two-month operation, which uprooted 1.9 million people, according to the UN.
Pakistani troops have driven Taliban insurgents out of much of the valley and its adjoining districts, and are now battling to eliminate pockets of resistance.
Authorities Monday launched a four-part repatriation plan for the displaced citizens. The government is initially aiding the return of nearly 280,000 refugees staying in makeshift camps.
Though the process is picking up pace, some people have refused to return home because of security fears and non-payment of compensation.
But many who were living with relatives or in rented accommodation are voluntarily returning to areas taken by the security forces.
Elsewhere in Pakistan’s restive northwestern region, two security personnel were killed and five others wounded when their vehicle was attacked in the town of Bannu Wednesday.
The joint patrol of police and paramilitary soldiers was hit by a remote-controlled bomb planted by the roadside.
Bannu borders the North Waziristan tribal district, a known sanctuary of Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters. It has seen numerous militant attacks on government forces in recent months.
