Pakistani forces bust militant hideouts in Waziristan

Pakistani troops busted several militant bases in Waziristan tribal region, including two major Taliban hideouts, while nine rebels surrendered in the northwestern Swat valley, authorities said today. 

Security forces destroyed two militant hideouts, including a medical facility equipped with an X-ray machine, oxygen cylinders and surgical equipment, during a search and clearance operation in Razmak sector of Waziristan, the military said.

A large quantity of ammunition and IEDs were also destroyed during the action. Militants raided a security forces check post in Jandola sector of Waziristan though there were no reports of casualties. Security forces "effectively responded" against the attack, the military said.

Troops also conducted search and clearance operations at different places in Shakai, Jandola and Razmak sectors and seized caches of arms and ammunition. In the Swat valley in northwest Pakistan, nine militants surrendered to security forces at different places.

Troops seized suicide jackets, IEDs and ammunition during search operations near Mingora, the main city in Swat, and Khwazakhela, a former Taliban hub.