MINGORA, Aug 16: Nine militants and a civilian were killed and several other people injured when security forces, backed by artillery and helicopter gunships, attacked Taliban’s positions in Koza Bandai, Damghar and Dheri areas of Swat on Saturday.

The forces also targeted militants in Deolai, Kabal Khas, Kala Kalley and other areas of Kabal tehsil.

According to the media information centre in Swat, the forces seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition and explosive material from the dismantled sites.

Military sources said that nine militants were killed while three security personnel had suffered injuries. Eight supporters of cleric Maulana Fazlullah were detained in Kabal.

Local people complained that residential areas also came under attack and a number of houses were destroyed.

A civilian, identified as Mohammad Hilal Jan, was killed and his mother, bother and two children were injured when a mortar hit their house in Kala Kalley.

About 16 civilians were injured in the shelling in Koza Bandai.

A curfew was clamped on Kabal and four people were injured when security forces opened fire on them in Balugram for violating the curfew.

Militants blew up a TV boaster in Guli Bagh area of Charbagh and a bridge in Ashari area of Matta and set on fire a grocery shop in Dkorak area.