The security forces launched a new offensive on Monday to secure Charbagh -- a key Taliban stronghold about 20 kilometres from the main Swat town of Mingora -- as thousands started fleeing the area.A paramilitary sources said 37 Taliban and two soldiers were killed during clashes in Swat, South Waziristan and Buner.
"Security forces have launched the operation to secure Charbagh and heavy clashes are taking place to secure Jangle Jerki," the army said in a statement, adding troops also launched an offensive to link Kabal with Sirsanai, where Taliban put up "stiff resistance".
The forces destroyed a Taliban training centre, a 50 feet long newly-built tunnel and a cache of ammunition in Dambar Kandao area of Peochar.
Troops commenced towards Shalwa Kandao and occupied the height east of Waliabad, moving forward towards Guliabad. Three Taliban were killed in an attack on their hideout in Kalagai, and five others in a clash after they attacked a Ranial checkpost.
Two soldiers were killed in a Taliban attack on Khawaja Khidar Fort near Angoor Adda in South Waziristan.
Nineteen Taliban were killed during clashes with paramilitary forces in Buner's Pache Kili, Tongo Pull, Jawar and Gul Kalay areas, the Frontier Corps sources said.
The military said daytime curfew was lifted in the Swat towns of Bahrain, Madyan, Fatehpur, Khwazakhela, Matta and Alpurai and in the nearby district of Shangla.