As many as 28 militants were killed and seven others were apprehended in operations in various areas of Swat valley in the last 24 hour, the army said in a statement on Friday.
Five soldiers and two civilians were also injured when security forces exchanged fire with militants, said the statement, Xinhua reported.
Security forces ration convoy moving to Mingora town in Swat valley was ambushed near Barri Kot on Thursday, preceded by explosive of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). During the encounter, four soldiers sacrificed their lives for stranded people, said the statement.
Cordon and search operation is continuing in Mingora town. Security forces defused five IEDs during search operation around Daggar area in Buner district. Fire exchange took place between miscreants hiding in a compound and security forces and resultantly 13 miscreants were killed.
The security forces initiated the offensive against militants in late April after Taliban militants refused to vacate Buner district as promised and challenged the writ of the government.