Security forces Saturday morning carried out a search operation in Koza Bandai area of Kabal in district Swat to hunt down militants in the restive areas of the district. During the search operation, the security forces reportedly apprehended 41 militants including local Commander Muhammad Rahim, a close relative of Maulana Fazal Ullah.
Huge quantity of arms and ammunition have also been recovered from their possession which include; Kalashnikovs, rifles, pistols and rounds of different weapons. These apprehended militants are believed to be close associates of Maulana Fazal Ullah.
Security forces appreciated co-operation extended by the locals for the search operation. Discomfort caused by the operation was regretted by the authorities. It was, however, reiterated by all that menace of terrorism can only be fought collectively.
Troops while being thankful to the locals returned safely to their location by 1030 hours and curfew was immediately lifted to avoid inconvenience. Life as a whole remained peaceful in Swat as all the shops were remained opened and traffic remained plying on the roads.