MINGORA, Feb 1: The Swat Media Centre claimed on Sunday that 16 militants had been killed and five arrested in Charbagh and Kabal areas. Besides, one soldier had been killed and two others injured.

The claim could not be confirmed from independent sources.

Meanwhile, reports reaching here said that a number of non-combatants, including women and children, were killed and several others injured since Saturday night when security forces intensified their offensive against militants.

Local people said that the victims were non-combatants and included children and women. They severely criticised the government for attacking civilians.

Official sources and residents said that at least 24 people, including nine displaced persons, had been killed by heavy artillery fire.

Militants attacked an ambulance near Sangota, killing its driver and his colleague, while two others received bullet injuries. The bodies could not be retrieved from the area.

Security forces operating in Swat are under pressure to minimise collateral damage and end operation against Maulana Fazlullah’s supporters.

According to local people, fierce clashes took place in Charbagh and Kabal on Sunday triggering a massive exodus. Troops used mortar, artillery and helicopter gunships to attack militants’ hideouts.

Reports said that nine people of a displaced family were killed in Charbagh early in the morning when they were caught in artillery shelling. The ill-fated family was fleeing Charbagh which was under curfew.

Officials dispatched ambulances from Mingora, the district headquarters, to shift the bodies.

Residents said that an artillery shell hit a house in Manglore on Sunday morning, killing Sher Zada, Ali Sher, Ali Bacha and Sher Ali and two women.

Ghalagai Union Council Nazim Mohammad Hanif was killed along with his friend and two others suffered injuries when some unidentified people attacked his car. He was going to Mingora.

Eight bodies with multiple wounds were found in Charbagh area. The victims have been identified as wife of Rasool Khan, his grandson, brother-in-law, sister, Barkat, son of Zamir Shah, Mohammad Shah, Barkat, son of Shereen, and wife of Jamshed.

Police said that the body of a constable who had been kidnapped on Saturday night found in Rahimabad locality on Sunday. Another man was kidnapped from the same locality and he remains untraced.

Residents said that a civilian Mohammad Sardar, who had gone to Hazara to take his daughter out of the conflict-hit area, was shot dead. Militants attacked a police station in Kanju on Sunday evening in which one constable was injured.

AP adds: The military said troops “consolidated their hold” over Charbagh, an area considered to be a militant stronghold.

Residents say militants now control most of Swat valley, despite an army operation that began more than a year ago.