MINGORA, Jan 12: Army helicopters pounded suspected hideouts of militants in Manja and Thotano Bandai after a police station and a checkpoint in Kabal came under attack on Saturday.

A cobra and two gunship helicopters targeted the positions of militants loyal to Maulana Fazlullah in upper Swat.

There were no reports of casualties.

The militants fired missiles in retaliation. However, the choppers landed safely.

After attacks on the police station and checkpoint in

Kabal, the police traded fire for about two hours with the militants.

According to the Swat media centre, the security forces carried out a search operation in Koza Bandai, Kabal, arresting 41 militants, including a local commander who is a close relative of Maulana Fazlullah.

He was identified as Muhammad Rahim. A huge cache of ammunition was found at the place.

On Saturday, curfew was relaxed in Swat from 6am to 6pm.