Troops take over Maalam Jabba

Security forces have captured yet another militant stronghold 

The army claimed on Monday that security forces had captured Maalam Jabba, a stronghold of militants, after heavy clashes.It said troops were facing ‘stiff resistance’ to wrest the control of Swat from the Taliban.According to AFP, Military spokesman Maj-Gen Athar Abbas warned it could take up to 10 days to regain control of Mingora, as the punishing assault across three rugged northwest districts entered a fifth week.‘It may take seven to 10 days to clear Mingora of militants,’ he told AFP.‘The operation may be a little slow to avoid civilian casualties, damage and destruction to property. There are also improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted in Mingora, and we have to clear these IEDs as well.’According to the ISPR, Maalam Jabba, on the main line of communication between Swat and Mansehra, was being used by militants as a training centre and logistic base. Four militants were killed and six security personnel injured in the fighting. Eight terrorists were arrested.The ISPR said that troops were now trying to secure Kabbal where militants had training facilities and terrorists fleeing Mingora were gathering there.The areas of Aligrama, Guljaba, Fizaghat and a swathe up to Watakai have been secured.Two militants were killed and six soldiers injured in clashes in these areas. An armoured personnel carrier (APC) and a large quantity of arms and ammunition were seized and several improvised explosive devices defused.Troops resumed operation in Peochar valley on Monday. Two militants were killed and five captured. ‘Miscreants are on the run from the valley,’ the ISPR said.Security forces took control of Qambar village and Qambar ridge and cleared six tunnels. An area up to Grid Station, Amankot and T-Junction in Saidu Khawar and Udigram were cleared of militants. Three militants were arrested.