Swat offensive nearing its end: Pak Defence Minister

Lahore, June 19 (ANI): Pakistan Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar has said that the military offensive in the Swat Valley against the Taliban and other extremists is nearing its end, as the security forces have accomplished their mission.

Mukhtar said the government has achieved its target by sanitizing the militants, and ensuring that they do not return to the valley once again.

He said people, who were forced to flee the region due to the conflict would be able to return to their homes by June 20.

Mukhtar added that security forces would soon launch an all out operation to hunt down the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Baitullah Mehsud, The Daily times reports.

Meanwhile, security forces have killed 34 more Taliban insurgents during a search operation in the Malakand Division during the last 24 hours.

According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), troops have cleared the Kabal region, and have regained the area after an intense battle with the Taliban.

The ISPR claimed that the army has also arrested seven extremists from the region. (ANI)