MINGORA, Oct 5: Two ‘important’ militants were killed during a clash with security forces in Sambat area of Matta tehsil on Sunday.

According to local people, a convoy came under attack in Sambat, about 25kms northwest of Mingora, after a roadside blast. Two security personnel were reportedly injured in the blast but security officials denied the report and claimed that two militant commanders, Ayub and Amir Zaib, had been killed in a heavy exchange of fire.

A woman and another non-combatant were also killed. Another man was injured.

As the forces cordoned off the area, markets were closed and traffic was suspended.

The army media centre in Mingora said that an improvised explosive device went off prematurely and the troops did not suffer any casualty. Another device was defused.

According to the media centre, militants hiding in a compound opened fire on security personnel who attacked the building, killing the two militants.

Ayub was said to be affiliated with Al Qaeda and responsible for terrorist activities in Swat. The security forces demolished the compound.

Meanwhile, a checkpoint in Behrain was set on fire. It had been set up about a decade ago by local people to curb illegal cutting and smuggling of timber.

In Bara Banda, some people broke into a bank on Saturday night and took away an empty locker and two computers.