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Journalism of Courage
Moving from street to street,Pakistani troops on Sunday wrested several key areas in the Swat valleys main town Mingora from Taliban as their offensive to regain the control of the restive tribal region entered the decisive phase.
Security forces have secured eight crossings and encountered at least 12 roadside bombs in Mingora,which is under the control of Taliban.
The military said in the last 24 hours,10 militants were killed in various areas of Swat in exchange of fire,while 14 have been arrested. Three security forces personnel were also killed,it said in a statement.
Five miscreants-terrorists were killed in various areas of Mingora,while 14 were arrested by the security forces.
Meanwhile,eight militants and two civilians were killed as Pakistani fighter jets bombed militant hideouts in Orakzai tribal agency,officials said.
Witnesses and a senior official said fighter planes hit areas in Upper and Lower Orakzai agencies early morning. A telephone exchange also came under shelling,causing civilian casualties,
locals said.
Pakistani forces have been conducting limited aerial operations in Orakzai agency,where Taliban are active. Locals say mostly civilians were killed in two air strikes at Ghaljo,the center of Upper Orakzai agency. Hundreds of people have fled homes due to operation by the security forces,officials said.
