KOHAT, Dec 5 Maulvi Rafiuddin, a 'commander' of militants and key aide to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief, was among seven militants who were captured in Hangu on Saturday.

A large quantity of arms and ammunition was also seized by security forces during the operations.

Maulvi Rafiuddin was caught last year along with five accomplices but had to be swapped with 10 government officials whom militants had kidnapped in sharp reaction to his arrest.More than 60 government servants, including 35 police recruits, were kidnapped by militants in separate incidents. Seven of the hostages were beheaded to put pressure on authorities for the release of Maulana Rafiuddin and his accomplices. The militants then had also laid siege to the Doaba police station and gunned down 12 personnel of Frontier Constabulary.

The other militant arrested along with Maulvi Rafiuddin on Saturday was 'commander' Haji Gulzar who ran camps astride Hangu's borders with Orakzai Agency and Kurram Agency.

Maulvi Rafiuddin and Haji Gulzar were arrested at a military checkpoint in Spin Thall area when they were going to North Waziristan Agency carrying a huge quantity of heavy and small weapons.

Officials termed their arrest a big triumph.

Maulvi Rafiuddin and Haji Gulzar used to send militants on suicide missions and plant explosive devices at the Kohat-Parachinar highway which is frequently used by troops.

They also masterminded several attacks on the families of police officials who took action against them.

The officials said that a third important TTP leader, Aziz, and four other militants were arrested in Shahu Khel area of the Hangu district. The area was retaken by security forces a fortnight ago after a week-long battle with militants.

EIGHT KILLED Meanwhile, eight militants were killed and 13 others injured in shelling by helicopters gunships at Taliban's hideouts in Balandar area of Upper Orakzai Agency on Saturday.