Islamabad: Closing in on the Taliban strongholds in the troubled northwest, Pakistani troops on Tuesday encircled the militant-infested Matta town as they engaged the insurgents in fierce street battles while advancing towards the strategic city of Mingora in Swat valley.
At least 16 militants and four security personnel, including an officer, were killed in the fighting in Swat and nearby areas as ground forces continued advancing to Matta.
An exchange of fire between the troops and the militants erupted as the security forces conducted cordon and search operations. Troops slowly marched on foot into parts of Matta, wiping out pockets of militant resistance in street battles.
Officials told TV news channels that the forces were deliberately making slow advances as they wanted to minimize collateral damage.
Helicopter gunships hovered overhead as the troops advanced after surrounding Matta from all sides. Security forces also set up check posts at several key squares and spots in the town.
The security forces were also advancing on several fronts to reach Mingora, a key city held by the Taliban in Swat.
A major and a soldier were killed while seven soldiers were injured in an exchange of fire near Nazarabad north of Matta, the military said in a statement.
Fierce clashes were also reported from Kanju town and Takhtaband, where troops cleared over 40 houses of militants.
Fourteen militants and two soldiers were killed during a skirmish at Takhtaband while eight soldiers were injured.
Security forces also consolidated their positions in the remote mountainous Peochar area, where local Taliban commander Maulana Fazlullah is believed to be holed up with hundreds of
fighters.
A soldier was injured and two terrorists were killed when clashes erupted as troops were conducting search and destroy operations in Peochar, the military said. Elite commandos were
airlifted in helicopters to Peochar last week to eliminate the top leadership of the local Taliban.
The military also said operations were continuing to clear Sultanwas, a village in Buner district that was occupied by the Taliban last month. Hundreds of militants are still believed to be hiding in Sultanwas.
Military officials in Dir district, where troops are also conducting operations against the Taliban, said the militants had been completely flushed out from Maidan sub-district and the area is now under the control of the security forces. The officials asked displaced people to return to their homes in Maidan.
However, the curfew imposed in Swat district has created a shortage of food supplies and other necessary items.