Pakistani security forces arrested 51 suspected militants during operations in the country's northwest and the tribal areas even as the Taliban attacked soldiers at two places in the lawless Waziristan region, authorities said today.
Forty-seven suspects were captured by troops at different places in the restive Swat valley while five militants also surrendered in this region, the military said.
However some of the arrested suspects were released after interrogation. Security forces apprehended four more suspects at Shewa in Waziristan tribal region, the military said.
The Taliban attacked troops in Shakai and Razmak sectors of Waziristan though there were no reports of casualties.
Security forces responded "effectively" when militants fired six rockets at Spin Jammat. Militants also attacked troops near Dwa Khula and Pash Ziarat with 10 rockets and small arms.
In Swat, security forces issued a list of 10 "wanted militants" with the direction that they should surrender to authorities.
Officials said the homes of these militants would be demolished if they failed to surrender.
Police also found and defused 10 mortar shells in the suburbs of Mingora, the main city in Swat district. Soldiers alsoconducted search operations in Jandola and Shakai sectors of Waziristan. In Razmak sector, troops cleared 46 militant-held compounds including a training centre.
The military claims over 600 militants and more than 60 soldiers have died in fighting in South Waziristan, where a major ground offensive against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan was launched in October.
The militants have responded by carrying out a series of bombings and suicide attacks across the country. Many of these attacks have targeted security forces and intelligence operatives.
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