ISLAMABAD, Dec 10: Many of the foreign militants who were chased out of their hideouts in the tribal areas of Waziristan following recent military operations may have taken refuge in Malakand and Swat, top military sources told Dawn.

"The foreign remnants moving out of South Waziristan may be relocating in Malakand and Swat because the army has never operated there," a well-placed military source said, indicating that military operations might be eventually launched there as well.

"My fear is that we have to go in there now," said a key military strategist, adding that such a move would be necessary to ensure that the foreign militants did not regroup themselves.

Military and intelligence sources suggest that a total of 60 to 80 foreign militants are left in South Waziristan now, and their hardcore local support is around 200. These sources say majority of the remaining foreign militants are Uzbeks.

Military intelligence estimates earlier this year pointed to presence of some 600 militants in the Waziristan Agency. "We have busted all their training bases and are in process of mopping up remnants of militants and ensuring that they do not re-establish themselves," a senior military official said.

So far, he added, security forces had recovered up to 45 tons of ammunition from 13 training bases. According to military sources, 202 Pakistani troops have lost their lives since the launch of operations against foreign militants in March this year.

Military strategists involved in operations concede that a major problem they have faced in Waziristan is of intelligence lapses that has adversely affected their operations.

Currently, Pakistan's five top intelligence outfits are operating in the area. Another problem cited is the corrupt nexus of tribal leaders and political agents of the area.

A major concern for security forces is that Al Qaeda operatives may kidnap more foreigners working in the country to discredit the government. Sources say most of the 635 plus people on the 'wanted' list are local clerics.