MARDAN, Oct 11 Security forces claimed to have arrested 10 militants and recovered a large number of arms and ammunition from their possession during a pre-dawn operation in Katlang tehsil on Monday.

Sources said that the operation was launched after the assassination of Dr Mohammad Farooq Khan, attacks on the Ahmadi's mosque and Christian church besides other growing incidents of terrorist activities by suspected militants in different parts of Mardan city.

The pre-dawn operation, which continued the whole day, was carried out in Sawaldair, Matha, Shamozai, Babozai, Kadao, Chora, Bashakhale, Jamal Gari, Speenkai, Jabbar and Guli Bagh areas of Katlang.

Sources said that curfew was imposed in those areas before the launch of the operation. Security forces said that they arrested several suspected militants and recovered a large number of arms, explosive materials and other ammunitions during the operation. Military helicopters also took part in the operation by providing air over to security forces.

Some locals said that presence of military helicopters spread a wave of fear among the residents of Mardan city.

Meanwhile, the Amn Jirga expressed satisfaction over the operation against suspected militants in Katlang.

The convener of Amn Jirga, Syed Kamal Shah, said on Monday that people would extend all possible support to security forces to eliminate kidnappers and militants.

He said that assassination of Dr Farooq and killing of Habib Bank manager Masri Khan had spread a wave of fear among the people of Mardan.

MINGORA Police claimed to have arrested a militant during a raid in Mingora city on Monday.

They said that a police team raided the house of militant, identified as Iqbal, after getting information about his presence there. He was arrested during the raid, they added.

Police said the militant was wanted in many cases of violence. He had fled Swat when a military operation was launched in the region.

Meanwhile, security forces defused a 10-kilogram bomb, planted on Kalam Road near Golibagh. Security forces found the bomb during a search operation.