In a major operation,the Pakistan Army killed 34 militants in the north-western region as they launched a new manhunt to nab the Taliban top commander in Swat,Maulana Fazlullah or Mullah FM,who is reported to be badly injured. Continuing their sweep in the Swat region,troops also captured 18 militants while 12 more surrendered,a statement issued by the military said. Maintaining an intensity in their operations,troops surrounded Manglor and Malam Jabba areas in Swat in their search for Fazlullah,who has been on the run since the army launched operations against the Taliban in May. The manhunt for Fazlullah was started by the Pakistan army apparently buoyed by their success in capturing two top Taliban commanders on Friday including the outfits spokesman Muslim Khan. Giving details of the fresh engagements,an army spokesman said 22 militants were killed in clashes with paramilitary troops in Tirah Valley of the Khyber tribal region,the Frontier Corps said. Thirteen vehicles and three hideouts were also destroyed by the security forces. Meanwhile,Pakistani authorities today sacked 350 personnel of a tribal militia in the Khyber Agency after they failed to report for duties following a threat from a militant commander in the region. Banned Lashkar-e-Islam chief Mangal Bagh Afridi had warned personnel of the Khasadar force that they would be killed if they did not quit their jobs.
