At least 55 militants were killed in the Army’s fresh offensive against the Taliban in Mingora, the major town in the Swat valley, where nearly 4,000 militants are holed up, and nearby areas.
With authorities relaxing the curfew for 8 hours from 6 am to 2 pm in various parts of Swat and Malakand to allow civilians to leave the region ahead of an assault on Mingora, the Taliban made use of the opportunity to flee the area.
Local help sought
“Taliban fighters were fleeing from the area after shaving off their beards and cutting their long hair,” a military statement said. Authorities have asked people of Swat to help security forces in identifying and apprehending the fleeing Taliban, the statement said.
An estimated 4,000 militants are believed to be in the area while the army has mobilised 15,000 troops backed by tanks, fighters and helicopter gunships for the operation in Swat. Analysts have said the security forces will face stiff resistance in their efforts to secure Mingora.
War toll
The military statement said security forces had achieved success in Swat and nearby areas in the past 24 hours and killed 55 militants. Three security personnel were also killed and 11 others injured in fresh clashes.
Nearly 900 militants and 45 troops have died so far in the fighting in Buner, Dir and Swat.
The military also said it had captured Dawa Noor, an important Taliban commander and a member of the ‘shoora’ or central council of the Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariah Muhammadi, who was involved in terrorist activities in Buner district.