MINGORA, May 14 Dozens of militants were killed when helicopter gunships and artillery shelled their positions in Swat, Dir and Buner on Thursday.

According to local people, militants' positions and hideouts in Ghat Peochar, Benai Baba Ziarat and Shakardara area of Swat were pounded.

At least 12 militants, reported to have been killed in Binai Baba, were buried by the Taliban in Charbagh.

Helicopter gunships destroyed several hideouts in Qamber, a stronghold of Taliban, and five militants were killed in clashes in the area.

Two government schools for boys were destroyed reportedly by militants in Shakardara area of Matta tehsil.

Security forces destroyed militants' bunkers and hideouts in the mountains of Peochar and consolidated their positions.

Special Services Group personnel had been airlifted to the mountainous areas of Turmang, Karo and Nehag Darra a couple of days ago to prevent militants from Peochar entering there.

In Lower Dir, security forces shelled the abandoned house of Union Council Nazim Ziaul Haq in Gidaro Kalley Hayaseri area of Maidan, killing over 30 suspected militants. Over 50 militants were reported to be living in the house.

Barorai, Kityarai and Shawa areas of Adenzai tehsil were also attacked by helicopters and artillery.

Troops also attacked militants who had set up positions in the primary schools in Shawa and Tendodag, the Shawa graveyard, the Gulabad rural health centre and degree college.

A house in Shawa was destroyed by shelling, killing 10 militants who had taken shelter there.

Two children, a woman and the conductor of a pick-up were killed in an attack near Shawa. They were going to Mardan. Another pick-up and a coach were also destroyed by shelling.

A petrol pump on the Ramora Road in Chakdara was looted on Wednesday night.

In Dir, a curfew relaxation between 6am and 2pm allowed a large number of people to move to other areas.

The overall situation in Malakand was calm. Five people were injured for violating curfew near Thana.