September 09, 2008	Tuesday	Ramazan 8, 1429

MINGORA, Sept 8: Ten suspected militants were killed and several others wounded as security forces continued targeting militant hideouts in Swat valley on Monday.

Military spokesman in Swat Colonel Nadeem Anwar said the security forces pounded suspected militant positions with artillery and mortar shells on Sunday night and Monday in Koza and Bara Banda areas of tehsil Kabal.

He said ten miscreants were killed and several others sustained injuries when one of the cannon shell hit a hideout where they (militants) had gathered to devise war strategy against security forces, adding that the final toll might be higher.

“There were no military casualties,” the spokesman said, adding gunbattle between security forces and militants loyal to Maulana Fazlullah erupted when militants attacked golf course ground in Kabal tehsil with hand grenades late on Sunday and continued till Monday.

The Taliban spokesman, Muslim Khan, however claimed that three security personnel were killed and many others injured in the clashes. He denied killing of any Taliban fighters.

He told newsmen from an undisclosed location that Taliban had set free fourteen villagers arrested during fighting in Mandal Daag area, adding the Taliban had sorted out the controversy with the local people and now they (villagers) were on their side after successful negotiations.

Meanwhile, the local people spotted two drones flying over different areas of Swat district, creating panic among the dwellers.

Indefinite curfew continued in Kabal tehsil. However, it was relaxed from 8am to 7pm in rest of the district. The people also left Barabanda and adjoining areas for safer places in the district.