By Reuters
August 03, 2008
MINGORA, Pakistan -- Pakistani security forces have killed 10 Islamist militants and destroyed several hideouts in a clash in the troubled northwestern Swat Valley, the military said.
Clashes intensified after troops carrying out a search operation in Matta, a militant stronghold, came under rocket fire, a spokesman said.
"We retaliated after the militants' attacked and we have confirmed reports of 10 dead from their side," a military spokesman in the area told Reuters.
He said troops destroyed several hideouts and seized a large cache of arms and ammunition.
Violence flared in Swat last week when militants seeking to impose Taliban-style Islamic law in the valley resumed fighting after accusing the government of backtracking on a promise made in a peace treaty.
The militants took hostage 30 police and paramilitary soldiers and close to 50 people were killed in fighting in the past week.