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Street fight between Pakistani forces and militants in Swat

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, May 24, IRNA -- Pakistani security forces Saturday began operation to retake main city in Swat valley as street fighting with the militants continues, the army said.

Army spokesman Major-General Athar Abbas said that the operation was launched to flush out miscreants-terrorists from Mingora city.

Earlier this month, Taliban had taken full control of Mingora, a city of around five hundred thousands people. Over 90 per cent residents of Mingora have already left the city and living in camps and with the people in their houses.

“Mingora city was encircled from four sides and supply lines of terrorists have been cut,” General Abbas told a news conference.

“Street fighting has begun in Mingora City and some portions of the city have been cleared. Some casualties have also been reported,” he said.

The spokesman said that house-to-house search is continuing to clear the entire city of miscreants, adding that the forces have cleared the area from Circuit House to Makkan Pak including continental hotel.

Athar Abbas said the security forces have consolidated their position at Qambar ridge overlooking Mingora.

Intense exchange of fire is taking place at Nishat Chowk, a main square in the city, he said, adding that a terrorist commander Khurshid known as Qasai was captured from Mingora.

He said 17 miscreants-terrorists were killed during the last twenty-four hours, he said. The security forces attacked caves used as ammunition dump and logistic support near Mingora and took control of the area killing six terrorists, he said.

During search and destroy operation three caves with large quantity of ammunition were discovered, the spokesman said and added that a transmission station along with base unit has also been captured.

Terrorists are on the run in small groups from Peochar Valley, stronghold and training center of Taliban, after the successful operation by the security forces.

“It has shattered the myth of miscreants-terrorists in Peochar Valley and has increased the confidence of local population in armed forces,” the spokesman said.

**1771

End News / IRNA / News Code 503914