ISLAMABAD, May 10 The operation in Swat and adjoining areas was intensified and nearly 200 militants and two security personnel were killed in clashes on Saturday and Sunday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.

Indiscriminate mortar firing and improvised explosive devices planted on streets and roads by terrorists in populated areas of Thana, Malakand and Mingora caused civilian casualties, said the ISPR.

In Swat, suspected locations of militants were attacked in Kanju, Mingora, Venaibaba, Namal, Qambar, Peochar, Fizagath, Tiligram and Chamtalai areas and 50 to 60 militants were killed.

Security forces urged citizens to remain vigilant and said that the terrorists had planted explosive devices in various areas of Mingora and Swat to put the blame of civilian deaths on security forces.

There are reports that militants destroyed two schools one in Barikot and the other in Maniar.

Terrorist activities continued in Swat where Zahid Khan, Imam of a mosque at Nishtar Chowk was killed.

Military authorities said that they had secured a large area in Shangla up to Biladram and advancing troops detected IEDs on the Chamtalai bridge where an intense exchange of fire took place.

In Shangla, security forces resumed operation from the important heights of 2,245 and 2,266 which had been captured on Saturday and secured the area up to Shalwal Kandao. One soldier died during the operation.

Troops found a number of bodies of militants and weapons left by them near Ramotai Loe Sar.

One soldier who was injured on May 8, died during evacuation.

The ISPR said a training camp of militants in Banai Baba was destroyed and 140 to 150 militants were killed. Troops secured the Shangla Top.

The Shangla DCO confirmed that 140 to 150 terrorists had been killed.

In Dir, troops secured the area from Kala Dag to Haya Sarai and during a clash with militants at Musa Jan and Sarai Kot, five militants were killed and one soldier was injured.

In a separate incident, militants kidnapped a reporter of a private TV channel from Chakdara.

Military authorities said that ground forces continued to consolidate positions on Gulabad heights and the area between Chakdara Bridge at Landakai had been secured by ground forces. Troops detected and defused three IEDs.

The militants suffered heavy casualties when helicopters attacked their hideouts in Barwada Char, destroying six bunkers and two ammunition dumps.

Troops secured the ridges around Sultanwas and the militants there were surrounded, the ISPR claimed.

The militants resumed their activities in South Waziristan and on Saturday night attacked a security forces convoy in Spin area South of Tanai.

During the ensuing clash 18 militants and an officer, Capt Muneeb, were killed and two soldiers were injured.

Later, the militants fled the area leaving behind bodies of their men. One injured militant was arrested.