Security forces on Saturday said they had killed at least 14 Taliban in Buner and Swat in last 24 hours during operations across Malakand. "During last 24 hours, search and clearance operations were conducted in Swat and Malakand division", the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.It said 10 Taliban were killed in Buner, while four were killed in Swat, and the forces also arrested 29 terrorists from various areas of the two districts. "Security forces conducted a search operation at Sappari Kandao, Koto Banda and Shadas and killed nine terrorists at Koto Banda and one at Zohaib post," it said.
The ISPR said the forces also killed two terrorists and arrested four during a search operation at Torshe Khan Sar. A terrorist training camp and a cave was also destroyed in the area and forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.
The forces also conducted a search operation at Akhun Kalle, killing a terrorist and apprehending another.
During a search operation at Utror near Kalam, security personnel killed a terrorist, arrested another and recovered a number of arms and ammunition, the ISPR said.
It said the forces also conducted search operations in Bararai area of Khawzakhela, Malakand and Qambar and apprehended 21 suspected terrorists.
In neighbouring Dir, fighter jets pounded a suspected Taliban base, killing at least four, AFP quoted local police chief Ejaz Ahmed as saying. "It was a key Taliban stronghold in the area which has been totally destroyed," Ahmed said.
Local administration chief Javed Marwat said, "It was heavy bombing and the toll may go up."
Bomb: Meanwhile, six personnel of the bomb disposal squad and a civilian were injured while trying to defuse a bomb on the Indus Highway near Godi Banda. Upon receiving information regarding the bomb, the officials rushed to the spot to defuse the device. However, it exploded while being defused, APP reported. The injured include Sub-Inspector Muhammad Akbar, Technician ASI Sadat Habib, constables Javaid Iqbal, Qaisar Khan, Khalid Mehmood and driver Ahmed Ali. A tractor driver, Abdul Munaf, was also injured. A police motorcycle and two vans were also damaged.
NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani, NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti and Inspector General Police Malik Naveed Khan have announced financial assistance for the injured.