ISLAMABAD, May 20 (APP): Security Forces have cleared Sultanwas after intense clashes while 80 terrorists were killed during clearance of the area, Director General ISPR Major General Athar Abass said in a media briefing on Operation Rah‑e‑Rast, here on Wednesday. He said six vehicles of militants, which were under their, were also destroyed during the operation. Meanwhile, the ISPR confirmed that the security forces have successfully secured the Binai Baba Ziarat, near Shangla, a stronghold and a main terrorist den in the area. During the operation, the terrorists suffered heavy causalities.

In Matta, the security forces after crushing stiff resistance by militants, fanned them out and took over the portions in the town.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira, Secretary Information and Broadcasting Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal and Principal Information Officer Shabbir Anwar were also present.

The Director General ISPR said that during the clearance of Sultanwas, the security forces encountered seven IEDs which were effectively defused. Sultanwas was main stronghold of terrorist‑miscreants in Buner, where they have made concrete underground bunkers and ammunition dumps.

The local populace of Sultanwas had posed severe resistance to the terrorists and they were unable to get their positions in the area.  But later, the terrorists through an effective suicide attack had taken over the positions.

He said one soldier embraced Shahadat while 9 others were injured during the last 24 hours in various areas of Swat.

In the Piochar area, the search and destroy operations by the security forces were underway while clearance of compounds and houses in Matta is also in progress.

Search and cordon operation also continued at Kanju where three soldiers were injured during the operation.

In Takhtaband, clearance operation of the village is in progress where one soldier embraced shahadat while six others were injured.

Answering a question, Major Gen. Athar Abbas said that around 10 to 15 % people of the total population are present in their houses in Swat, who have been asked to keep themselves aloof from the terrorists. He said they also have been asked to come forward and help the security forces in identifying the terrorists, especially those who have changed their clad.

When asked to confirm the killing of Maulvi Fazal Ullah and another terrorist leader, Major General Athar Abbass said that a number of terrorists have been killed in the last 24 hour operation but anything could be confirmed after investigations on the ground.

On any possibility of spill out of terrorists from the Operation area to other adjoining parts, he said, that the security forces have besieged the terrorists in the area and there is hardly any possibility of their sneaking out of the area. He said the planners of Operation had already given due preference to this aspect and the security forces are keeping strict check on this factor.

He said efforts are in hand to conclude the Operation in the shortest possible time with the minimal chances of the collateral damage caused to the life as well as the property.