Swat offensive incomplete till top Taliban commanders killed: ISPR

Rawalpindi, Jun.7 (ANI): The military offensive against the Taliban and other extremist groups in the Swat Valley would not be complete unless the top Taliban commanders are killed or nabbed, the ISPR Director General Major General Athar Abbas has said.

Major General Abbas said that during the last 24 hours, at least 17 militants have been killed in Sarsanai, and added that the militants attacked the security motorcade which was taking Maulana Alam and Amir Izzat.

Speaking at the press briefing on Operation Rah-e-Raast, Major General Abbas said an army check post has been set up in Koza Bandai.

He said a large cache of arms and ammunition has been recovered from Koza Bandai.

Commenting on the reports regarding the arrest of Sufi Muhammed, he said Sufi Muhammed has not been arrested, nor is he in the custody of security forces.

Two security personnel were martyred in Khozakhela, the army spokesman said.

He said at least 1305 militants have been killed and 120 others arrested in the operation, while 105 security personnel were martyred and 105 others injured.

The arrested militants include foreigners from Central Asia, Afghanistan and Arab world, he said adding there are at least four percent foreign militants in the conflict areas.

Kabal, Shamozai areas are not clear as yet, he said, however the communications on either side of Swat river are in working condition.

Maulana Fazlullah has been thrice targeted on intelligence reports, The Daily Times quoted Major General Abbas, as saying. (ANI)