The Pakistani military on Sunday said it killed 16 militants in the restive Swat valley over the weekend, dpa reported.
The fierce clashes took place in Charbagh area, one of the strongholds of insurgents loyal to local radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah, who started an armed struggle in 2007 to impose Taliban- style laws in the mountain district.
"Sixteen militants were killed in fighting during the last 24 hours," a military spokesman in Swat said over the telephone.
The spokesman said troops had consolidated their positions in Charbagh after inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents.
Skirmishes also occurred in several other villages.
One soldier was killed and two others were wounded in a gunfight with the militants in Ali Grama, while a police constable was slain by the rebels in Rahimabad, according to the spokesman.
Meanwhile, media reports said at least 15 civilians died when mortar rounds hit their houses in Charbagh and Manglore areas. It was not clear whether the fire was from the military or the rebels.
Troops began a new phase of operation in the district earlier this week in the wake of deteriorating security situation.
Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Swat on Wednesday and said the security forces had both the will and resolve to establish the government's writ in the region.
"No amount of sacrifice will deter us to do our duty," Kayani told the troops.