history & news - 23 , 2008

Swat Operation

Swat Operation: 40 militants; 17 cops killed

MINGORA: Military sources claimed that at least 40 militants have so far been killed in fresh fighting erupted early Saturday at Kibil area of Swat, including a top commander of local militant organization.

Two security personnel were also killed and three others wounded during the clashes at Kibil, said a statement released by ISPR (Inter Services Public Relations).

ISPR has asked the citizens to cooperate forces in the operation.

Earlier, at least 15 policemen were killed and several others were injured in a suicide blast at a security checkpost in Swat.

According to ARY OneWorld, a suspected suicide bomber rammed an explosives-filled vehicle into a checkpost at CharBagh area of Swat leaving several dead and injured.

The blast was as powerful as it also severely damaged the adjacent shops and houses of the checkpost. Broken limbs were scattered at the scene after the blasts.

Security contingents and rescuers arrived at the blast scene soon after the incident and carried out the rescue work.

The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack. TTP Spokesman Muslim Khan talking to ARY OneWorld declared the attack as reaction of security forces operation against Taliban in Kibil and Matta.

Unknown militants also blow out another security checkpost in Aboha area, killing at least three civilians.

Militants also blow out three bridges and another checkpost in Matta and Deoli areas however, no casualty was reported.

Meanwhile, a minor girl was killed while four persons belonging to a same family were injured when a stray shell hit a house Kibil tehsil.

Soon after the incidents, security forces expedited their operation against the militants in various localities of the violence-hit district. Fresh clashes between the suspected militants and military personnel were reported throughout the valley

(Saturday August 23 , 2008)
(Ary One World)