Militant commander among 4 killed in Pakistan's Swat

Pakistani security forces killed a wanted militant commander and three other militants in northwest Pakistan' s Swat on Friday, according to local TV channel report.

Pakistani army exchanged fire with Taliban militants in Khauza Khel area of Swat in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and killed wanted militant commander Baja Ameer urf Hamza, the private Aaj TV reported.

During the search operation in the restive area, security forces killed three more militants and apprehended two others.

Besides, local police arrested 20 suspected persons during raids in Peshawar, the capital city of NWFP.

Pakistani army are continuing search and clearance operation in Swat and adjoining Malakand area.

About 1,700 militants have been killed since security forces launched the military operation against Taliban militants late April after militants in early April entered the Buner district from the neighboring Swat district and refused to vacate the area despite their pledge to do so.

Source:Xinhua