Pakistani security forces Wednesday killed two Taliban fighters in the restive Swat district while over 1,000 people were evacuated from their homes during a search operation in the region to locate a militant commander.
Officials said two militants opened fire at troops that were conducting a search operation at Baidara village in Swat.
The troops retaliated and killed both militants, who were wanted by police for several crimes.
In Kanju area of Swat, over 1000 people were evacuated from their homes following reports of the presence of a militant commander in the region.
Troops launched a combing operation that lasted five hours but made no arrests, officials said.
Announcements were made over loudspeakers from mosques, urging males to come out of their houses and gather at the Saidu Sharif airport.
The people were allowed to go back to their homes after the operation was completed.
In another development, security forces released a list of 96 wanted militants belonging to Koza Bandai, a former Taliban stronghold in Swat.
The list has been displayed at prominent places in the area, asking the militants to surrender and face cases against them in courts.
{{/usCountry}}The list has been displayed at prominent places in the area, asking the militants to surrender and face cases against them in courts.
{{/usCountry}}Authorities have warned the militants that their families would be evicted from the area if they failed to surrender.
The security forces also announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for people who give information about militants present in the area.
Meanwhile, Australian Army chief Lt Gen Kenneth James Gillespie today visited Swat valley and was briefed on the law and order situation by senior Pakistani military officials.