Pak sees Jaish hand in Swat

He was 8220;affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad and has been actively involved in recruiting, training and harbouring suicide bombers,8221; said the statement issued by the army8217;s Inter-Services Public Relations.

The security forces found a cache of arms, explosive devices, detonators, fake passports and an FM radio transmitter in the home of the militant, whose identity was not disclosed. The security forces also sealed his house. This is the first time that Jaish-e-Mohammed, an outfit active in Jammu and Kashmir, has been linked to the militancy in Swat.

The Pakistan Army had earlier said that rebels from the northwestern tribal areas bordering Afghanistan and some foreigners were among more than 150 militants arrested in Swat.

The army also said five more militants had been apprehended on Monday in Kabal town and Mingora, the headquarters of Swat district. The men had 8220;strong links8221; to Fazlullah and were involved in terrorist activities. A 8220;large number of militants8221; were killed or wounded when artillery targeted militant positions in Peuchaar on Monday, the army said.

The shelling was carried out after seven Pakistan Army personnel, including two officers, escaped from the custody of militants, who had captured them about a month ago. Officials said the personnel, including a Major and a Captain, escaped after overpowering the militants guarding them and reached an army base in Swat after walking about 65 kms. The soldiers had been held by militants in Peuchaar, another stronghold of Fazlullah.

After the soldiers reached the army base, security forces began shelling Peuchaar and nearby areas. The shelling continued for about four hours and several houses were reportedly hit. Cobra helicopter gunships also pounded different locations.