Islamabad: Pakistani security forces entered two strategic towns in Swat in a pincer movement while closing in on Taliban-infested city of Mingora, even as the government on Monday vowed to push ahead with the offensive until peace is restored in the unruly northwest.
Backed by helicopter gunships and fighter jets, the Pakistani Army killed 27 militants, including three Taliban commanders, across Swat as authorities asked residents of Mingora to vacate the city in anticipation of heavy fighting.
The troops entered Matta and Kanju, two key towns considered Taliban strongholds, on their way to Mingora, TV channels reported.
Hundreds of Taliban fighters are holed up in Mingora where militants have occupied key buildings and mined roads to prevent the entry of troops.
Experts have said the battle for Mingora might be long drawn and bloody and efforts are being made to ensure that civilians leave the city before the army moves in. Officials said troops were approaching Mingora from the north and south to prevent militants from escaping from the area.
Army officials said at least 15 militants were killed in Matta sub-district. The security forces had gained control of 50 per cent of the territory in Matta and established check posts at key intersections, they said.
Two security personnel were killed and three injured during the fighting in Matta.