MINGORA, Oct 11: Three militants and a soldier were killed while four security personnel were injured on Saturday in an encounter at Barri, in the troubled Swat district.

An official of the media cell in Mingora told journalists that security forces clashed with militants at Barri, Kabal tehsil, during a search operation.

He said three militants, including commander Nasir and a nephew of Maulana Fazlullah, were killed in the exchange of fire. One soldier was killed and four security personnel were injured, he said.

The situation was tense in Mingora and nearby areas. Locals said police had disappeared and militants were patrolling the main city.

A roadside explosion in Kabal injured four security personnel.

Six civilians, including three women, were injured when helicopters targeted a house in Sher Palum area of Matta tehsil. Police said the wounded were taken to Saidu Sharif hospital.

Sources said that three police constables and one soldier were injured when a convoy of security forces proceeding towards Mam Dheri hit a roadside bomb. The explosion led to a heavy exchange of fire with militants.

Armed men kidnapped a Frontier Constabulary man from Kabal. He was identified as Raj Wali.

On Friday night, saboteurs blew up a power plant at Saidu Sharif airport.