The authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew in the main city of Swat, said a statement by the army's media centre in the valley on Tuesday -- hours after the security forces launched the third phase of a military operation in the valley. Military sources said the third phase of Operation Rah-e-Haq had been launched in light of a list released by the Taliban which contains names of officials 'wanted' by the group.
After the operation began -- five civilians were killed by artillery and mortar fire. Locals said a man, a woman and three children were killed when mortar shells hit four houses in Mangalawar area of Charbagh tehsil on Monday night as security forces targeted Taliban positions.
After the start of the intensified operation late on Monday -- official sources and locals told Daily Times on Tuesday that the government had already imposed curfews in Nengolai, Bara, Koza Banadai, Shakar Dara and Charbagh towns for an indefinite period, and issued shoot-at-sight orders for violators.
The curfew in Mingora was imposed after about 100-150 Taliban stormed the streets of the town displaying arms. No violence was reported, but a private TV channel said the Taliban had taken over bus stands in Mingora. The report, however, could not be confirmed.
In Matta tehsil, a convoy of security forces was targeted in a remote-controlled bomb attack, but there were no casualties, according to the Online news agency.