Troops attack Taliban militants in scenic northwestern valley

Mingora: Troops backed by helicopter gunships killed 20 pro-Taliban militants on Thursday, the military said, as security forces stepped up efforts to drive rebels out of a northwestern valley.

Residents of the scenic Swat valley and a security official said more than 20 civilians had been killed as the army fired artillery at militant positions.

An army spokesman said he had no information about civilian casualties but said 20 militants had been killed in three clashes yesterday and 33 had been killed the previous day.

"Gunship helicopters destroyed a [militant] checkpost. Security forces also targeted the militants' ammunition and mortar positions," said spokesman Major-General Waheed Arshad.

The valley in North West Frontier Province with its mountains, trout streams and the country's only ski resort had until recently been a tourist destination.

Infiltrated

But militants, including up to 800 foreigners, have infiltrated from strongholds on the Afghan border to support a radical cleric while the government's attention has been focused on President Pervez Musharraf's attempt to secure another term.

Nearly 250 people have been killed in recent weeks in clashes between the security forces and followers of hardline cleric Mullah Fazlullah.

The army launched a fresh push this week to clear out the militants, with heavy fighting to the east of the valley's main town of Mingora.

Residents said civilians had been killed in Pagorai Miankalay village of Shangla district, in firing that began overnight, when militants attacked security forces and the army responded with mortars.