4000 militants in Swat, operation to continue till logical conclusion: Pak Army

Islamabad, May 8 (ANI): Pakistan Army's spokesperson Major General Athar Abbas has said that an all-out offensive has been launched in Swat to flush out anti-state elements and terrorists from the restive valley.

In a press briefing here on Friday, Major General Abbas said that the army had been tasked to eliminate the terrorists from Swat.

He said the armed forces will take the operation to its logical conclusion, The News reported.

The military spokesman said the ground intelligence estimates indicate the presence of about 4000 militants in Swat.

Abbas said the security forces have taken control of Khwaza Khela and Chamkanai areas. "Five security personnel were martyred while five militants were killed in the operation", he said.

At least 13 policemen were killed in a militant ambush on Matta police station. Twenty militants were killed in Takhtaband and Kabal areas.

The security forces have also killed 15 militants including two commanders in Maidan. Major General Abbas said that six militants were killed during operation in Buner and Kalpani while two others were arrested.

He said nearly 143 militants have been killed in last 24 hours. Athar said the army also destroyed many militants' hideouts and training facilities.

He said approximately 64000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have so far got themselves registered with the government. (ANI)