At least 18 people — including 14 militants — were killed on Wednesday in clashes between the security forces and the Taliban rebels, officials said. “Three militants were killed in the fighting with security forces in South Waziristan tribal region,” a security official said adding, “A security man was killed and three others injured in the clash.”
He said the militants attacked a security checkpost with heavy weapons in Khesora region, in which a security man was killed and three others were injured. The forces launched a counter assault killing three militants, he added.
In Swat, meanwhile, security forces killed three militants in a raid in Mangal Than area of Swat, while two bodies were found from Char Bagh. In another clash in Bajaur region six militants were killed.
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Swat ready to reopen for tourists
age correspondent
ISLAMABAD
After around two years of unrest and military operation against the Taliban militants, Pakistan’s picturesque Swat valley is all set to welcome tourists again.
The scenic valley was subjected to unrest for a couple of years that smashed tourism, besides damaging human lives and properties. “The evil is now over with peace ruling the streets of the valley,” a senior government official said adding the stage is set for the revival of tourism in Swat. The valley has been a hotspot of Pakistan’s tourism and has unmatched serene valleys, green mountains, gushing rivers and pleasant weather.
The Taliban openly started activities in Swat in 2008 and slowly forced the implementation of the strict sharia laws.