Mingora to be cleared of militants in next two-three days: ISPR

[Naveed Yaseen]

SEHRISH WASIF & ISHFAQULLAH SHAWL
ISLAMABAD (May 28 2009): Security forces have consolidated their positions in Mingora, the capital of Swat valley and it is now a matter of days to wipe out the terrorists and impose the writ of the government in this strike-torn valley. "Mingora city will be cleared of militants in next 2-3 days, while the return of the IDPs will depend upon the restoration of electricity and water supply and other civil services in the area," said Major General Athar Abbas, (ISPR) here on Wednesday.

Twelve terrorists have been killed in different parts of Swat valley during the last 24 hours of operation Rah-e-Raast, while one soldier was martyred and three others injured, says the spokesman of DG ISPR. A suicidal vehicle was destroyed short of Shamozai Bridge by the security forces and averted the death destruction planned by the terrorists, while an important militant commander was also killed, he said.

He said that two soldiers were injured during a clash between the security forces and terrorists which started during search operation in Peochar valley. The security forces continued the cordon stronghold of militants, he added.

Whereas the security forces continued the house-to-house search operation in Mingora during which eight terrorists were apprehended from Nishat Chowk, while one soldier was wounded, he said. He said that the security forces have cleared Kanju-Kabbal road after having a fierce battle with militants for capturing the area. Security forces have secured their positions at Madyan, Bagh Derai and Kala Kot, Sakhra Valley and important heights west of Fatehpur, he added.

During the military operation in Maalam Jabba an important miscreant's commander, Irfanullah was killed whereas three militants' dead bodies and huge cache of arms was recovered, while one soldier was martyred in this operation. Talking on relief operation conducted by Armed forces, he said that 300 vehicles of edibles and other essential commodities were moved to Shangla, Khawazakhela, Bahrain, Madyan and Kalam.

He said that militants are snatching the relief items being dispatched for the trapped people of Bharain, Madyan and Kalam. Besides these four civil trucks loaded of relief items was distributed to the stranded people of Mingora. During the relief activities by Army eight trucks carrying meal ready to eat (MRE) were dispatched to Swat for stranded people.

One truck loaded of rations and non-food items was distributed among 286 families of Parmulai Union Council. Five trucks loaded of relief items have been dispatched to Khawazakhela. Twenty trucks loaded of rations and non-food items were delivered to Jalozai Camp. Four trucks of rations delivered to off camp IDPs in District Swabi and Mardan.

Arrangements have been made in co-ordination with Civil Administration for garbage collection at Benazir Camp. Area up to Sultanwas and Mohmand Agency has been cleared of militants. IDPs upto Sultanwas can return back. All left over IDPs of Mohmand Agency can also move back to their place.

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