Taliban ‘shaving beards’ to flee Swat: army

[Naveed Yaseen]

* 55 more Taliban killed in operation
* People asked to help identify Taliban at checkposts

ISLAMABAD: Taliban are shaving off their beards to escape the army offensive in Swat, the army said on Friday as security forces killed 55 more Taliban.

“We have confirmed reports that these Taliban ... after shaving off their beards and cutting hair, are fleeing from the area. We request the people to identify them ... at checkposts,” said the ISPR in a statement. The army also issued a cell phone number, 0333-5239938, to assist people in identifying fleeing Taliban.

“Fifty-five Taliban have been killed in ... Swat over the last 24 hours ... three troops [also] died,” said the ISPR.

The military also arrested Dawa Noor – an important Taliban commander who “played a crucial role in facilitating the Taliban takeover of Buner”.

The security forces – after clearing Giga and Jura areas – have reached northwest of Matta. Advancing towards Adai, troops also destroyed two Taliban compounds.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2009_pg1_4