7 militants killed in NW Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Seven militants were killed and four others arrested during ongoing search and clearance operations in northwest Pakistan in the last 24 hours, local official sources said Friday.

Pakistani security forces continued search operations in various areas of Swat and Malakand in North West Frontier Province. Two militants were killed in exchange of fire and four others arrested in Swat, according to Inter Services Public Relations.

At least five militants were killed in a clash between security forces and militants in Malakand, official sources said. Security forces recovered weapons and huge catch of ammunition from the militants who were foreign nationals.

Relief activities were continued and 273,123 cash cards have been distributed amongst the internally displaced persons of Malakand.

About 1,700 militants have been killed since Pakistani security forces launched the military operation against Taliban militants late April after militants in early April entered the Buner district from the neighboring Swat district and refused to vacate the area despite their pledge to do so.