The Taliban stormed into Saidu Sharif, where residences of top district administration officials and offices are located, from Mingora on Tuesday -- hours after around 21 people were killed in clashes between the security forces and the Taliban in the Swat valley. Swat-based newspapers suspended publication for security reasons as reports said the Taliban had taken control of the offices of DIG and investigation SP in Saidu Sharif. The Taliban have also taken positions outside the residence of Malakand commissioner, said locals.
The locals said most of those killed on Monday night were civilians in Rahimabad area. Swat DCO Khushal Khan said 'sporadic fighting' had been reported, and government forces were resisting Taliban attacks on government buildings and police stations. He said a curfew had been imposed in the district for an indefinite period.
"Armed Taliban are patrolling the roads of Mingora and other areas," said the ISPR.
Taliban control: Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan claimed that no member of his group was killed in the clashes. According to the AP news agency, Muslim Khan has also claimed that the Taliban are in control of '90 percent' of the Swat valley. Authorities in neighbouring Shangla district also clamped a curfew following the arrival of the Taliban in the area. Meanwhile, the ISPR said the military operation in Buner was progressing smoothly.