69 Taliban killed, forces seize Swat emerald mine

* Five troops killed in Malakand blast targeting security convoy

PESHAWAR/MINGORA: At least 69 Taliban were killed as the army pounded Taliban positions in Mingora and Buner and seized control of an emerald mine in Swat on Wednesday, in the first ‘planned operation’ since the collapse of a peace deal between the Taliban and the NWFP government, military sources said.

According to ISPR, four troops were killed and six injured in the fighting. The sources said heavy artillery was used and four helicopter gunships joined the attack on the mine in Fizaghat area of Mingora.

Around 20 Taliban were killed when the helicopters struck their hideout near Takhtaband Bypass, while 27 were killed when the security forces pounded Taliban positions in other areas, sources said.

At least 22 Taliban were killed in as forces raided a village west of Daggar, the sources added.

Malakand blast: Five security officials were killed and four others injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast near Pull Chowki in Chakkadra area of Malakand, a private TV channel reported.

According to the channel, the blast occurred as a security convoy was heading to Mingora. staff report/daily times monitor

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