Islamabad, Pakistan (BBN) – Pakistan’s troops have killed 47 militants in different parts of the country’s three northwestern districts during the last 24 hours, the military said on Saturday.
"47 terrorists have been killed in the last 24 hours", Chief military Spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told a news conference, adding that three security personnel were wounded.
Abbas showed journalists’ video footage that he said showed militant hideouts and ammunition dumps destroyed by security forces during raids in Swat, a mountainous district once frequented by holidaymakers but now a Taliban hub.
He also said forces were getting closer to Mingora, the main town in the district of Swat, to check on militants trying to flee the area, where residents widely expect the military to launch an assault to re-take control.
More than 987 Taliban militants and 45 soldiers have been killed so far in the ongoing military operation launched since April 26, 2009. There is no independent confirmation of the figures and no word on civilian casualties.
BBN/SS/SI/AD-17May09-4:35 am (BST)